LET THERE BE LIGHT
- Feb 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 23
We sought clarity from both the NGCP and AKELCO
by Freida Dario-Santiago
Power Advisory from NGCP
In a Boracay Sun News exclusive interview with NGCP’s communications team, the grid operator confirmed that rehabilitation works along the 69-kV Unidos–Caticlan transmission line are underway. The project includes replacing damaged underground cables in Boracay and would require a total of six separate 12-hour scheduled power interruptions, spread across the first quarter to complete repairs ahead of the peak summer season and the ASEAN Summit in March. As of this writing, two power interruptions had already transpired on January 27 and on February 3, both lasting 13 hours, with four more to be announced as of this writing.
According to NGCP spokesperson Reagahn Alcantara, power reliability has improved since NGCP took over the 69kV Unidos-Caticlan line in December 2025 and moved the temporary bypass line farther offshore to avoid high-tide wave splash. NGCP is now undertaking full rehabilitation of the line, including reconductoring and vegetation clearing of the overhead segment and replacement of the damaged underground cable near Caticlan Airport.
To help manage public expectations, we asked about short- and long-term measures to improve power reliability and how Boracay Island and Malay consumers can prepare and support these efforts.
In the short term, this involves the ongoing rehabilitation, reconductoring, and repair of the underground cable of the 69kV Unidos-Caticlan Line. Consumers are encouraged to monitor NGCP’s scheduled maintenance shutdowns.
In the long term, the permanent solution is the completion of the 138kV Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay Transmission Line, which will require continued cooperation on right-of-way matters to avoid delays and help meet project timelines.
When asked about the timeline, he said, “The project is progressing well and is expected for completion on or before August 2026 as directed by the ERC.”
AKELCO Sheds Light
We asked for AKELCO Board President Virgilio Sacdalan to help us understand the power situation and to help define the multiple transmission lines.
Sacdalan clarified that the aging 69-kV Nabas-Caticlan transmission line (now under NGCP) has historically been a major source of outages due to its age and difficult terrain, but many of these issues are expected to ease once upgrades are completed. On AKELCO’s side, outages are commonly caused by vegetation, animal intrusion, transformers and power poles, prompting expanded clearing and infrastructure upgrades.
Where do NGCP and AKELCO’s responsibilities begin and end?
“NGCP’s scope is to provide power to our substation in Caticlan and Boracay. NGCP is responsible for maintaining its own transmission line. If power is not delivered to our substation, we cannot deliver to our consumers.
AKELCO’s responsibility is to deliver power from our substation to residents and business establishments and to maintain our substation, power lines, electric posts and transformers for our residents.”
During the island’s rehabilitation closure, was there an option to move the power lines underground?
“It was raised during rehabilitation, but was not considered because of the difficulty in maintaining underground lines.”
What can the Boracay community realistically expect in light of AKELCO’s renewed 25-year franchise?
“I have heard the clamor of our consumers to improve our service. Our first order of business for 2026 is to set up our 24/7 communication hotline for Boracay. From there, we will improve other services.”
Explainer on Boracay’s Power Lines
A power grid is a large, interconnected system that generates, transmits and distributes electricity from power plants to end-users. In Boracay, reliability hinges largely on two transmission lines: the existing 69 kV line and the unfinished 138 kV line.
The 69 kV (69,000-volt) transmission line runs from NGCP’s Nabas Crossing/Pandan substation to AKELCO’s Caticlan substation. This includes the Caticlan Airport underground cable, while the Caticlan-Boracay submarine cable is part of NGCP’s transmission system supplying the Manocmanoc substation.
The 138 kV Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay Transmission Line, delayed mainly by right-of-way issues, is considered the long-term, permanent solution and is intended to replace the aging 69 kV line once completed.
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