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The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has formally assumed ownership and operational responsibility for the critical Caticlan-Unidos 69-kilovolt (kV) transmission line in Aklan, signaling a major step toward resolving long-standing electricity disruptions in the province. Previously managed by the Aklan Electric Cooperative (Akelco), the line had suffered repeated outages and structural deterioration due to environmental exposure, causing power interruptions across Boracay and surrounding areas.
Following a directive from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), which reclassified the line from a sub-transmission asset to a full transmission facility, NGCP stepped in to provide specialized support and capital to fix current issues and strengthen the system for the future.
“With the line now under NGCP, we are mobilizing our full technical and financial resources to implement immediate, medium-term, and long-term solutions. Our teams are working around the clock to ensure reliable power for the province,” explained the grid operator.
Immediate Action to Restore Reliability
The takeover comes after repeated service interruptions highlighted the vulnerability of the aging infrastructure. Investigations revealed that salt spray and wave splash near Caticlan Airport had caused corrosion on key components, exacerbating the risk of brownouts. To address these issues, NGCP implemented temporary measures, including the construction of a bypass line to maintain power flow while permanent repairs are planned.
The utility also emphasized the urgency of completing reconductoring works, with materials already secured and full replacement targeted for completion by March 2026. These measures aim to safeguard residents and businesses, particularly in high-demand tourist areas like Boracay, where stable power is crucial to economic activity.
The transition also highlights the limitations faced by Akelco, which had acknowledged its inability to fund or manage comprehensive repairs, prompting ERC intervention to protect the province’s electricity supply.
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Strengthening the Grid for the Future
Beyond immediate remediation, NGCP is preparing for the integration of the new Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay 138-kV transmission line, a project aimed at creating a more robust power backbone for the region. Scheduled for completion by August 2026, the 138-kV line will provide an alternative routing for electricity, reducing the risk of service interruptions and supporting future demand growth.
Various outside factors have postponed progress on the project since 2019, and the ERC has formally accepted these delays as reasonable.
While the existing 69-kV line will continue to operate alongside the new infrastructure, the reclassification allows NGCP to maintain long-term transmission functions and ensure consistent oversight of the system. This strategic approach demonstrates a commitment not only to short-term fixes but also to sustainable improvements in energy reliability and resilience.
The ERC’s recognition of the line’s importance and NGCP’s active involvement underscore the collaboration between regulators and private operators to ensure energy security. By taking control, NGCP can implement standardized maintenance, deploy specialized personnel, and coordinate technical upgrades without the constraints faced by smaller cooperatives.
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Safeguarding Communities and Tourism
Aklan, anchored by world‑famous Boracay Island, remains a powerhouse in Philippine tourism, drawing over 2.2 million visitors in 2024 and generating nearly ₱43 billion in tourism receipts, the highest in Western Visayas.
These visitor numbers underscore the province’s vital role in both regional and national travel markets, supporting businesses, jobs, and related services. Stable infrastructure and services are crucial to sustain this momentum and ensure continued economic benefit from a thriving tourism sector.
The grid operator acknowledged the challenges inherited from previous management but reiterated its commitment to sustained reliability and safety. “We fully recognize the challenges associated with the condition of the inherited asset, underscored by the brownouts experienced earlier this month,” NGCP said.
However, NGCP confirmed that, despite the official handover, a Certificate of Acceptance remains on hold due to necessary infrastructure replacements and unresolved right-of-way documentation.
With coordinated efforts between NGCP, ERC, and local stakeholders, Aklan is set on a path toward a more resilient and modernized power system. The proactive measures taken today not only mitigate current disruptions but also lay the groundwork for long-term energy stability, ensuring that residents, businesses, and visitors benefit from a consistent electricity supply for years to come.
Sources:
https://www.philstar.com/business/2025/12/21/2495714/ngcp-takes-over-troubled-power-line-aklan
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1265584
https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/19/ngcp-assumes-control-of-aklan-grid-link-after-erc-order