“Power disruptions and blackouts are not new in the Philippines.”
Distributing electricity is equally critical as tapping sources of power and developing them to produce energy. The electricity output must be transported through a distribution network to reach its market—in this case homes and commercial establishments.
The power outage in Boracay last week highlighted the role of power infrastructure or distribution system in the energy sector. The transmission network is there to assure a reliable electricity supply for residents, businesses and the tourism industry.
The Boracay outage may be a one-off disruption. But authorities must assure that it will not occur again, especially in famous tourist spots like Boracay Island.
The island and the municipalities of Malay and Buruanga were cut off from the grid on Saturday after the Nabas–Unidos 69kV line tripped, isolating the Unidos–Caticlan–Malay and Unidos–Boracay lines. Electricity was restored to Boracay Island and nearby towns on Monday.
National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and the Aklan Electric Cooperative (Akelco) dispatched crews to identify the cause and assist with restoration efforts. Akelco discovered “arcing” in the 69kV sub-transmission power cables at the Caticlan Airport arrival area.
Subsequent tests, according to reports, revealed moisture intrusion and leakage in the underground cables, which isolated Boracay Island and the municipalities of Malay and Buruanga from the grid on Sept. 13.
NGCP and Akelco dispatched their crews to speed up restoration. With clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), crews installed a temporary 69kV bypass overhead line.
The interim solution, which spans about 800 meters along the beachside perimeter of the Caticlan Airport’s runway, restored electricity to Boracay before Monday midnight while comprehensive repairs on the underground cable continue.
NGCP and Akelco are the key power players in providing electricity to the premier tourist destination and economic hub without disruption.
The Energy Regulatory Commission on Nov. 19, 2024 tasked NGCP to complete the Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay Transmission Line Project this year to ensure stable and reliable power on the island. The current power requirement for Caticlan and Boracay is supplied by Nabas Substation through a 69kV overhead transmission line and submarine cable.
Power disruption and blackouts are not new in the Philippines. They must be addressed immediately, however.
As I commented in my previous column, insufficient power supply across the Philippines and the high cost of acquiring electricity are critical issues that prevent the country from achieving an inclusive economy.
Our archipelagic geography poses a big challenge to power distribution. The reliability of supply is another problem.
Many electric cooperatives or distribution utilities are undercapitalized. Poor finances and mismanagement lead to chronic brownouts, especially in the provinces.
The recent publicity surrounding the power distribution problem in Siquijor Island is a classic example of inefficient electric cooperatives in the Philippines.
The incessant outages that seriously undermine social and economic growth is not isolated in Siquijor.
Other provinces are similarly groping in the dark, among them Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro provinces, Palawan, Mindoro Oriental and Mindoro Occidental, Albay, Basilan and parts of Northern Samar.
Hundreds of thousands of households and businesses in the twin Davao provinces, along with Tagum City and the Island Garden City of Samal, have also yet to experience reliable power supply.
Boracay and its tourists suffered an inconvenience but were spared of a more prolonged outage. But for the rest of country, power supply remains unreliable.
Electric cooperatives (ECs), for one, are slow in restoring power to their respective franchises after a strong typhoon. The poor response from a public service provider like ECs after a disaster is inexcusable—they should be at the forefront of recovery efforts.
Restoration efforts from the ECs are snail-paced, with many customers still clamoring for full supply. They should be held accountable and pay penalties for the disservice.
E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com
