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Aklan’s power supply outlook for the upcoming summer peak season received a boost after the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) completed the restoration of the Unidos-Caticlan 69-kilovolt (kV) Line nearly a month ahead of schedule, fully normalizing transmission services in key areas, including Boracay.
NGCP said it successfully energized the line at 1:31 p.m. on Feb. 13, 2026, ahead of its original March 2026 completion target. The early completion comes in time for increased electricity demand during the summer months and scheduled ASEAN Summit activities in March.
Ready For Peak Demand
With the energization of the line, transmission services for the Caticlan and Boracay substations of Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO) have returned to regular configuration. This followed the successful connection of a new 69kV cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) underground cable in Caticlan and the rehabilitation and reconductoring of the entire Unidos-Caticlan 69kV Line.
A temporary bypass line installed to maintain electricity services during the rehabilitation period has been safely disconnected. NGCP deployed 24 line gangs from other parts of the Visayas and South Luzon to accelerate the project.
The company cited challenging conditions, noting that the transmission line runs through mountainous terrain with structures spanning ridge to ridge. Further complicating restoration works were unfavorable weather brought by Tropical Storm Basyang and limited working hours in compliance with safety regulations of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.
Despite these constraints, the company completed the project safely and ahead of schedule. “We are proud to have restored the Unidos-Caticlan 69kV Line ahead of schedule despite various challenges and limitations. This is testament to the dedication of NGCP to ensure the reliability of transmission services in Aklan, particularly in the areas of Caticlan and Boracay, a vital tourist hub for the country,” NGCP said.
NGCP Takeover
Before NGCP assumed operations, the Unidos-Caticlan 69kV Line was under the operation and maintenance of AKELCO. In September 2025, the cable sustained significant damage.
AKELCO later acknowledged its inability to finance the required repairs, prompting the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) in October 2025 to issue a resolution transferring responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the line to NGCP.
Upon formal turnover, NGCP conducted a comprehensive assessment and found that approximately 88 percent of identified defects were corrosion-related, largely due to prolonged exposure to harsh marine conditions. The company then initiated corrective measures and implemented a rehabilitation program to address structural weaknesses and restore the line’s integrity.
The restoration works were initially projected to require six shutdowns. Through planning and coordination, these were reduced to four scheduled outages conducted on Jan. 27, Feb. 3, Feb. 12, and Feb. 13, minimizing inconvenience to affected consumers. With additional manpower and round-the-clock work, NGCP completed the upgrades and energized the line nearly a month earlier than planned.
Ongoing Upgrades
While the 69kV line has been fully restored, NGCP said it continues to advance the Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay 138kV Interconnection Project, targeted for completion by August 2026. Once operational, the project is expected to provide stronger capacity and enhanced reliability of power supply for Aklan and nearby areas.
“We understand how vital stable electricity is to homes, businesses, and the tourism industry in Aklan,” the company said. “We sincerely thank the public for their patience and cooperation. With the 69kV line now fully operational and the 138kV interconnection moving forward, NGCP remains committed to delivering a more reliable and resilient transmission system for the province.”
With Boracay and surrounding areas preparing for higher electricity demand during the summer peak season, the early completion of the restoration project restores full transmission capability and provides added assurance of supply stability as tourist activity intensifies.
Source:
https://manilastandard.net/news/314708467/ngcp-restores-power-ahead-of-sked-in-aklan.html
https://business.inquirer.net/373171/ngcp-boosting-power-grid-for-booming-boracay