Amid a slew of Eaton Fire-related lawsuits, Southern California Edison will install over 150 miles of underground electrical lines as part of a plan to rebuild infrastructure in wildfire burn areas, the utility announced Friday.
SCE’s preliminary plan calls for moving 153 circuit miles underground — 130 circuit miles in areas of high risk for fire in the Eaton and Palisades burn zones plus 23 circuit miles in Altadena neighborhoods not in high-risk areas. The utility is evaluating 19 more circuit miles in Altadena.
The plan calls for undergrounding approximately 63 circuit miles in Altadena, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s office reported.
“Just three months have passed since the devastating wildfires, and all of us at Edison continue to keep those affected in our thoughts,” Pedro J. Pizarro, president and CEO of Edison International, SCE’s parent company, said in a statement. “We’re working closely with state and county leaders and the communities of Altadena and Malibu to rebuild wildfire-impacted areas stronger than ever. SCE’s rebuilding plan will underground electrical distribution infrastructure where feasible and make the most of breakthrough technologies to reduce wildfire risk.”
Edison’s overall rebuilding plan for the fire areas, outlined in a letter the utility sent Friday to Gov. Gavin Newsom, is estimated to cost $860 million to $925 million.
“Governor Newsom’s leadership during this tragedy has been instrumental, contributing to an environment where SCE could design and permit projects in a matter of weeks instead of what would usually take years,” Pizarro said.
Multiple lawsuits against Edison allege that one of the company’s above- ground lines that move electricity started the Eaton Fire during hurricane-force winds. The utility has acknowledged the possibility that its equipment may have been involved, but has deferred drawing any conclusions to ongoing investigations.
“Edison International has acknowledged the possibility of SCE’s equipment being involved in the cause of the Eaton Fire,” Pizarro wrote in the letter to Newsom. “The investigation is ongoing, and we remain committed to transparency with the public. While some parties have initiated litigation, this in no way affects our commitment to support SCE communities as we rebuild together.”
In addition to moving electricity lines underground, the SCE rebuilding plan includes upgraded infrastructure to handle more electrical demand with better reliability, according to the company.
“SCE will build back a resilient, reliable grid for our customers,” company President and CEO Steven Powell said in a statement. “We are increasing electrical capacity in fire-impacted communities and exploring advanced technologies, such as battery backup for critical care customers and smart panels, to better serve our customers. We will continue to engage community members to make sure their views remain a critical part of the rebuild. I am proud to work alongside SCE colleagues as we support our communities and build a resilient, clean and affordable energy future.”
Barger, whose 5th District includes the Eaton Fire burn area, welcomed the SCE rebuilding plan.
“The commitment to undergrounding power lines, enhancing infrastructure resilience, and supporting critical care customers demonstrates a strong alignment with the safety needs of Altadena and surrounding communities,” Barger said in a statement. “Continued collaboration is key as we work together to rebuild stronger and safer.”
In addition to underground lines, SCE’s plan also emphasizes upgrades to grid reliability and expanded use of clean energy technologies throughout the region. More information on Edison fire recovery efforts is available on the company’s website.
