Energy in Paraguay – abundance at low cost
Paraguay is one of the world's largest electricity exporters relative to the size of its economy. The reason is the Itaipu dam on the Paraná, operated jointly with Brazil and one of the largest hydroelectric plants in the world. Add the Yacyretá dam with Argentina. All electricity in Paraguay comes from renewable hydropower – clean, cheap and stable.
Electricity prices and supply
The state-owned ANDE (Administración Nacional de Electricidad) supplies all of Paraguay with electricity at very low prices. An average household pays the equivalent of 15–40 Euro per month – significantly less than in Europe. Supply is stable in cities; in rural areas there may be occasional short outages.
Air conditioning is essential in Paraguay – and thanks to low electricity prices, running it is affordable.
Internet and mobile
Internet provision in Paraguay has improved markedly in recent years. In Asunción and other larger cities, fibre (FTTH) is widespread and available from several providers. Download speeds of 100–300 Mbit/s are available for 20–50 Euro per month.
Mobile operators such as Tigo and Personal offer good 4G coverage in cities and along main roads. In rural areas coverage is thinner but sufficient for basic communication.
What this means for expatriates
Anyone working from home or running a digital business will find reliable basic infrastructure at very low cost in Paraguay. Remote work is easily possible in most neighbourhoods. For entrepreneurs and digital nomads this is an important locational advantage. For concrete figures on rent, food and daily costs see the cost of living comparison with Europe.
