**Crypto Miners in Paraguay Push Back Against Electricity Price Hike**

Crypto miners in Paraguay are urging the government to rethink an upcoming electricity price hike, warning it could severely impact the economy. The Administración Nacional de Electricidad (ANDE) announced on July 19 that it will proceed with a price increase for legal crypto miners starting August 1.

Jimmy Kim, spokesperson for the Chamber of Digital Asset Mining (Capamad), expressed disappointment, noting that this follows a 54% fee hike in 2022. Capamad fears that up to 70% of legal mining operations could shut down, risking thousands of jobs and over $1.5 billion in planned investments.

ANDE argues the hike is necessary to protect the electrical system from illegal mining activities. However, Capamad urges the government to reconsider, highlighting the significant contributions of legal miners to Paraguay's economy.