With the assumption of ownership, operation, and maintenance, NGCP said it would implement corrective measures to improve the condition of the Caticlan-Unidos 69kV line and enhance power reliability in the province.
In a statement sent on Dec. 19, 2025, NGCP said it is addressing recurring outages on the overhead bypass line built as a temporary fix to the damaged 69kV line near the Caticlan Airport, the main gateway to Boracay Island in Malay town.
Takeover and fixes
NGCP said it has constructed an adjusted bypass line away from the seashore, which is set to be energized this December to prevent water wave splash and salt spray corrosion—identified as the primary causes of recent failures.
“We fully recognize the challenges associated with the condition of the inherited asset, underscored by the brownouts experienced earlier this month,” NGCP said.
“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,” it added.
Repair timeline
A full reconductoring of the affected transmission line will also be undertaken.
Due to the absence of available spare materials from AKELCO, NGCP said it has already procured the required materials and is targeting completion of the activity by March 2026.
Last November, the ERC reclassified the Caticlan-Unidos 69kV line from a sub-transmission asset to a transmission facility, paving the way for its transfer to NGCP upon the completion of the Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay 138kV line.
ERC order
The urgency escalated in September after the 69kV cable was damaged.
During a meeting called by the Department of Energy attended by AKELCO, NGCP, and the ERC, AKELCO admitted it could no longer finance the repairs of the 69kV line.
In October, the ERC issued an order directing NGCP to immediately take over the asset to safeguard reliable electricity delivery in the province.
Early warning signs
Even prior to a formal turnover, NGCP had already flagged potential risks.
As early as January 2025, NGCP detected corrosion on the Nabas-Caticlan portion of the line under its maintenance and informed AKELCO of the issue, prompting immediate remedial works.
Following a joint due diligence inspection by TransCo, NGCP, and AKELCO in October 2025, a Certificate of Turnover was signed on Nov. 21, 2025.
Turnover challenges seen
NGCP said it has yet to issue a Certificate of Acceptance, citing reservations such as lines and poles for replacement and the lack of right-of-way documents.
The vulnerability of the infrastructure became evident shortly after the turnover, leading to power interruptions recorded early this December.
Apart from repairing the 69kV facility, NGCP said it is also expediting the completion of the Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay 138kV transmission line project.
Backbone line project
The new 138kV line is expected to improve the reliability and stability of power transmission in the area by providing a new backbone facility.
The project, which NGCP has been pursuing since 2019, is targeted for completion by August 2026.
While not a direct solution to current outages, the 138kV line will provide looping and an alternative route that will further strengthen system reliability. —Connie Fernandez-Brojan | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
