NGCP restores Aklan power line ahead of schedule

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) successfully energized the Unidos-Caticlan 69-kiloVolt (kV) Line at 1:31 p.m. on February 13, 2026, completing restoration works nearly a month ahead of its March 2026 target and fully normalizing power transmission services in parts of Aklan Province.

Transmission services for the Aklan Electric Cooperative’s (AKELCO) Caticlan and Boracay Substations have returned to their regular configuration following the successful connection and energization of the new Caticlan 69kV XLPE Underground Cable and the completed rehabilitation and reconductoring of the entire Unidos-Caticlan 69kV Line.

The temporary bypass line installed to maintain services during rehabilitation has now been safely disconnected.

NGCP deployed 24 line gangs from other parts of the Visayas and South Luzon to fast-track the project.

The work was particularly challenging, as the Unidos-Caticlan line runs through mountainous terrain, with structures spanning ridge to ridge.

Unfavorable weather conditions brought about by Tropical Storm Basyang and limited working hours in compliance with safety regulations imposed by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) further added to the difficulty.

Despite these constraints, the project was completed safely and efficiently, ahead of the scheduled Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit activities this March and the summer peak season in Boracay.

Boracay Island, located off the northwest tip of Panay in Aklan Province, is one of the Philippines’ top tourist destinations, drawing millions of visitors annually and making a reliable electricity supply critical to the local economy.

“We are proud to have restored the Unidos-Caticlan 69kV Line ahead of schedule despite various challenges and limitations. This is a 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.

Before NGCP assumed operations, the Unidos-Caticlan 69kV Line was under the operation and maintenance of AKELCO.

In September 2025, the 69kV cable sustained significant damage, and AKELCO subsequently acknowledged its inability to finance the required repairs.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) then issued a resolution in October 2025, transferring responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the line to NGCP.

NGCP is the sole private transmission concessionaire in the Philippines, operating under a 25-year concession agreement with the government through the National Transmission Corporation (TransCo) to manage, operate, and maintain the country’s high-voltage transmission network.

Upon formal turnover, NGCP immediately conducted a comprehensive assessment and found that approximately 88 percent of the identified defects were corrosion-related, largely due to prolonged exposure to harsh marine conditions.

NGCP promptly initiated corrective measures and implemented a rehabilitation program to address structural weaknesses and restore the integrity of the line.

As part of its action plan, NGCP committed to rehabilitating and strengthening the line, with full reconductoring originally targeted for completion by March 2026.

Through intensified coordination, additional manpower, and round-the-clock work, NGCP was able to complete the necessary upgrades and energize the line nearly a month ahead of schedule.

The restoration works were initially projected to require six shutdowns, but through careful planning, these were reduced to four scheduled outages conducted on January 27 and February 3, 12, and 13, helping minimize inconvenience to affected consumers.

While the 69kV line is now fully restored, NGCP continues to advance the long-term solution for the area: the Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay 138kV Interconnection Project, targeted for completion by August 2026.

Once completed, the project will provide stronger capacity and enhanced reliability of power for Aklan and the surrounding communities.

“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.”