WITH tourism leading the post-COVID economic recovery, Boracay Island is recording a spurt in visitor arrivals. With the increased activity projected to surpass pre-pandemic levels, there is a need for grid expansion and development projects to keep up with the increasing demand for power. National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ (NGCP) long-term solution is the development of the Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay 138 kV line, now currently ongoing construction.
“The existing 69 kV submarine cable and overhead line serving the island is no longer adequate to support load growth in the coming years. Under the project, NGCP will reinforce the grid with an additional submarine cable and upgrading the existing 69kV facilities to 138kV,” said NGCP.
The entire project is comprised of several components, particularly: underground and submarine cables connecting the mainland to Boracay Island, overhead transmission lines, a cable terminal station, a new Boracay Substation, and an upgraded Nabas Substation.
With an Energy Regulatory Commission-approved cost of P5.48 billion, the project was certified as an Energy Project of National Significance (EPNS) by the Department of Energy in 2019.
“The Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay transmission line project will support the increasing power requirements of the island and ensure stable and reliable transmission of power. NGCP will support the island’s growth and help ensure the development of Boracay as one of the world’s best travel destinations by providing the necessary energy infrastructure,” the company said./PN
