Paraguay Suspends Power Cutoffs Following Ueno Bank Crisis

President Pedro Alliana announced a suspension of electricity disconnections for unpaid bills through December 31 to support households impacted by the Ueno Bank crisis. Under the new measures, customers may repay outstanding balances in up to 24 interest-free installments without late penalties. The state-run National Electricity Administration (ANDE) will also freeze electricity tariffs for at least one year.

These relief measures apply to approximately 97 percent of the customer base, excluding only those in the special intensive consumption category. The government action follows a financial crisis that began on November 2, when the Central Bank of Paraguay placed Ueno Bank, a major digital lender, under resolution after its capital fell below required minimums.

The resolution disrupted banking services and blocked account access for millions of customers. This prevented many from paying utility bills via Ueno Bank or the WEPA platform between November 2 and 3, prompting the executive intervention to prevent widespread power outages.