NGCP Energizes Unidos-Caticlan Line, Restoring Power in Aklan Ahead of Schedule
Power transmission system provider NGCP has successfully energized the Unidos-Caticlan 69-kiloVolt (kV) Line at 1:31 p.m. on February 13, 2026, marking a significant achievement in infrastructure rehabilitation. This completion of restoration works comes ahead of its original March 2026 target, fully normalizing power transmission services in parts of Aklan Province and ensuring reliable electricity for critical areas.
Restoration Details and Operational Impact
Transmission services for Akelco’s Caticlan and Boracay Substations have now returned to their regular configuration. This milestone was achieved through the successful connection and energization of the new Caticlan 69kV XLPE Underground Cable, coupled with the completed rehabilitation and reconductoring of the entire Unidos-Caticlan 69kV Line. The temporary bypass line, which had been installed to maintain services during the rehabilitation phase, has been safely disconnected, signaling a full return to standard operations.
Overcoming Significant Challenges
NGCP deployed 24 line gangs from various parts of the Visayas and South Luzon to fast-track this ambitious project. The work proved particularly demanding due to the line's route through mountainous terrain, with structures spanning ridge to ridge. Additional hurdles included unfavorable weather conditions brought by Tropical Storm Basyang and limited working hours imposed by safety regulations from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). Despite these constraints, the project was executed safely and efficiently, concluding ahead of both the scheduled ASEAN Summit activities in March and Boracay's summer peak season.
"We are proud to have restored the Unidos-Caticlan 69kV Line ahead of schedule despite various challenges and limitations," NGCP stated. "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."
Background and Initial Assessment
Prior to NGCP’s assumption of operations, the Unidos-Caticlan 69kV Line was under the operation and maintenance of Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO). In September 2025, the 69kV cable sustained significant damage. AKELCO subsequently acknowledged its inability to finance the required repairs, prompting the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to issue a resolution in October 2025 transferring responsibility for the line to NGCP.
Upon formal turnover, NGCP immediately conducted a comprehensive assessment of the facility. The evaluation revealed 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 line's integrity.
Accelerated Timeline and Strategic Planning
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 managed 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. However, through careful planning, these were reduced to just four scheduled outages conducted on January 27, February 3, February 12, and February 13. This reduction helped minimize inconvenience to affected consumers while ensuring project efficiency.
Future Developments and Long-Term Solutions
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, this project will provide stronger capacity and enhanced reliability of power for Aklan and surrounding communities, further bolstering the region's energy infrastructure.
"We understand how vital stable electricity is to homes, businesses, and the tourism industry in Aklan," the company emphasized. "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."
