Investigations Remain Ongoing
Edison International’s subsidiary, Southern California Edison,
today submitted two letters to the California Public Utilities
Commission providing updates on its ongoing analysis into the
origin of the Eaton and Hurst wildfires that began on Jan. 7, 2025,
in accordance with state reporting requirements. These reports
follow an interim update on the Eaton Fire submitted to the CPUC on
Jan. 27, 2025.
This press release features multimedia. View
the full release here:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250206881395/en/
Eaton Fire
In its Feb. 6 report, SCE notes that the cause of the fire’s
ignition has not been determined, and its investigation is ongoing.
Information and data have come to light, such as videos from
external parties of the fire’s early stages, suggesting a possible
link to SCE’s equipment, which the company takes seriously. SCE has
not identified typical or obvious indications that would support
this association, such as broken conductors, fresh arc marks in the
preliminary origin area, or evidence of faults on the energized
lines running through that area.
“While we do not yet know what caused the Eaton wildfire, SCE is
exploring every possibility in its investigation, including the
possibility that SCE’s equipment was involved,” said Pedro J.
Pizarro, president and CEO of SCE’s parent company, Edison
International. “We have been fully engaged since the start of the
fires in supporting the broader emergency response, containment,
recovery and investigation efforts.”
The Los Angeles County Fire Department is the lead agency
investigating the origin and cause of the Eaton Fire, with support
from other agencies, including the California Department of
Forestry and Fire Protection. Their investigation remains ongoing.
The company is working to examine available information including
grid data, maintenance records, photos and videos to determine
potential causes of ignition, including whether SCE’s equipment
could be related to the cause of the fire.
SCE anticipates its full investigation could take several months
to complete. The review will include an up-close inspection and
testing of equipment in the area of origin as well as material
recovered by fire investigators.
“Our hearts go out to everyone who has suffered losses. We are
working with the local communities SCE serves to rebuild and emerge
stronger,” said Pizarro. “We understand the community wants
answers, and we remain committed to a thorough and transparent
investigation.”
As part of the established legal and regulatory process, SCE
continues to preserve critical electronic and physical evidence and
plans to lower its power lines in proximity to the preliminary
origin area in Eaton Canyon for further visual inspection. SCE has
three transmission towers that carry transmission lines in Eaton
Canyon - four active and one inactive. These lines are currently
deenergized.
Hurst Fire
In its report for the Hurst Fire, SCE states that the Los
Angeles Fire Department is investigating the fire and has suggested
SCE’s equipment caused the Hurst Fire. The fire burned
approximately 799 acres and was
fully contained on Jan. 16, 2025. SCE believes its equipment may
be associated with the ignition of the Hurst Fire. The cause of the
fire remains under investigation, and SCE continues to cooperate
with authorities.
SCE’s full submissions to the CPUC can be found here (Eaton) and
here (Hurst).
SCE’s Ongoing Community Support
“Edison International and SCE have been part of this community
for almost 140 years,” said Pizarro. “As we work to rebuild, SCE’s
ongoing investments in wildfire prevention and mitigation,
including undergrounding and hardening the grid in high-risk areas
will continue, and if necessary, be expanded.”
In responding to the windstorms and emergencies created by the
Eaton and Palisades fires, over 3,500 SCE crew members, contractors
and mutual assistance personnel have worked diligently to support
the communities affected by these extreme weather events. Through
Jan. 31, 2025, SCE teams have:
- Installed 400,000 feet of power lines (approximately 75
miles);
- Set 1,265 poles; and
- Replaced 380 transformers.
During the windstorm, SCE opened 24 customer service locations,
helping over 10,000 customers who visited in person. SCE has also
assisted thousands of customers through its financial contributions
to community-based organizations. To support eligible customers in
areas declared as in a State of Emergency, SCE has implemented
several customer protections such as protection from
disconnections, waived fees, and expedited move-in move-out
requests. SCE will continue to provide timely updates to customers
as restoration and recovery efforts continue.
As announced Jan. 12, Edison International committed to 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 its foundations
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.
For more information, watch this video with Pedro J. Pizarro
here.
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.
View source
version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250206881395/en/
Investor Relations: Sam Ramraj, (626) 302-2540 Media Relations:
(626) 302-2255 News@sce.com
Edison (NYSE:EIX)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jan 2025 to Feb 2025
Edison (NYSE:EIX)
Historical Stock Chart
From Feb 2024 to Feb 2025