Edison International Provides Latest Update on Southern California Wildfires and SCE Power Outages
13 January 2025 - 5:21AM
Business Wire
Powerful winds and several dangerous wildfires continue to
create life-threatening conditions in parts of Southern
California.
Edison International and Southern California Edison (SCE) extend
their thoughts to everyone impacted by this devastating event, and
offer immense gratitude to firefighters, public safety officials
and all the utility workers supporting customers in California.
Since Jan. 7, SCE has restored more than 500,000 customers ‒
more than 90% of the outages – with 62,662 customers currently
without power as of 5:30 a.m. on Jan. 12. Severe equipment damage
and access restrictions in areas impacted by wildfire may lead to
restoration times taking longer than usual, from several days to,
in some instances, weeks. Thousands of SCE employees and
contractors are working alongside mutual assistance crews 24/7 to
restore power.
SCE filed two Electric Safety Incident Reports (ESIR) related to
current wildfires, one for the Eaton Fire and another for the Hurst
Fire. ESIRs are filed with the California Public Utilities
Commission (CPUC) for incidents that meet certain criteria, such as
significant media attention or a governmental investigation. These
brief reports contain preliminary information and are provided
within two to four hours after a triggering event. To comply with
CPUC requirements, these reports are often submitted before SCE can
determine whether its electric facilities are associated with an
ignition.
Eaton Fire
On Jan. 9, SCE filed an ESIR related to the Eaton Fire, as the
incident may have met the reporting requirement, such as
significant media attention and property damage exceeding $200,000.
Additionally, SCE received evidence preservation notices from
counsel representing insurance companies in connection with the
fire. SCE conducted preliminary analysis of electrical circuit
information for the four energized transmission lines in the Eaton
Canyon area. That analysis shows no interruptions or
operational/electrical anomalies in the 12 hours prior to the
fire’s reported start time until more than one hour after the
reported start time of the fire. Aside from the preservation
notices suggesting SCE’s potential involvement and media attention
surrounding the fire, SCE would not have filed an ESIR.
Hurst Fire
On Jan. 10, SCE filed an ESIR related to the Hurst Fire once SCE
learned fire agencies are investigating whether SCE equipment was
involved in the ignition, which is a triggering event for
reporting. SCE noted that the fire was reported at approximately
10:10 p.m. on Jan. 7, and preliminary information reflects the
Eagle Rock - Sylmar 220 kV circuit experienced a relay at 10:11
p.m. A downed powerline was discovered at a tower associated with
the Eagle Rock - Sylmar 220 kV circuit. SCE does not know whether
the damage observed occurred before or after the start of the
fire.
Wildfire Relief Efforts
To support communities affected by the wildfires, Edison
International announced a financial contribution of $1 million to
community-based organizations to support relief efforts and assist
those affected by the wildfires. The contribution, funded through
the foundation and direct giving, will begin with $350,000,
including $150,000 to the American Red Cross; up to $100,000 to
match employee contributions to three local nonprofits – Los
Angeles Regional Food Bank, Pasadena Humane and YMCA of
Metropolitan Los Angeles; and $100,000 to America’s Charities to
assist employees impacted by the wildfires.
“We are proud to support nonprofits that provide critical
services to our customers and employees, and we are grateful for
the contributions from other Southern California companies who have
stepped up to support our communities during this difficult time,”
said Pedro J. Pizarro, president and CEO of Edison International.
“Their collective efforts demonstrate the strength and resilience
of our region, and we are honored to stand alongside them in
providing aid and support to those in need.”
Power Restoration
“We greatly appreciate the dedicated efforts of SCE’s employees
and the mutual assistance colleagues who are working around the
clock to support our communities during this challenging time,”
said Steven D. Powell, president and CEO of SCE. “Their unwavering
commitment and hard work are truly commendable.”
The extreme weather continues to be a rapidly evolving
situation. While wind conditions have improved, dangerous weather
is expected through Jan. 15 in some areas. Safety remains the
company’s top priority for customers, communities and employees.
Some customers may be de-energized this weekend and into the coming
week, either from a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), strong
winds, wildfires or other conditions. SCE will restore service as
quickly as it is safe to do so. Crews patrolling lines that were
de-energized through PSPS have found damage indicating PSPS has
already been valuable in protecting communities during this
windstorm.
About Edison International
Edison International (NYSE: EIX) is one of the nation’s largest
electric utility holding companies, focused on providing clean and
reliable energy and energy services through its independent
companies. Headquartered in Rosemead, California, Edison
International is the parent company of Southern California Edison
Company, a utility delivering electricity to 15 million people
across Southern, Central and Coastal California. Edison
International is also the parent company of Trio (formerly Edison
Energy), a portfolio of nonregulated competitive businesses
providing integrated sustainability and energy advisory services to
large commercial, industrial and institutional organizations in
North America and Europe.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250112082355/en/
Investor Relations: Sam Ramraj, (626) 302-2540 Media
Relations: (626) 302-2255 News@sce.com
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