Southern California Edison Provides Rebuilding Plan for Electric Distribution in Altadena and Malibu
Southern California Edison (SCE) has unveiled a comprehensive plan to rebuild electrical distribution infrastructure in Altadena and Malibu areas affected by January wildfires. The $860M-$925M plan includes undergrounding 153 circuit miles of power lines, with 130 miles in High Fire Risk Areas (HFRA) and 23 miles in non-HFRA Altadena areas. An additional 19 circuit miles in Altadena are under evaluation.
The rebuilding strategy focuses on increasing reliability and resilience through:
- Upgrading infrastructure to accommodate greater electricity demand
- Exploring Community Resiliency Zones with backup power
- Providing portable battery storage for critical care customers
- Installing smart panels at rebuilt properties
SCE has acknowledged potential involvement of their equipment in the Eaton Fire, with ongoing investigations. The company has conducted over 50 community engagements since January and will continue discussions to refine the rebuilding plan.
Southern California Edison (SCE) ha presentato un piano completo per ricostruire le infrastrutture di distribuzione elettrica nelle aree di Altadena e Malibu colpite dagli incendi di gennaio. Il piano, del valore di 860-925 milioni di dollari, prevede la sotterraneizzazione di 153 miglia di linee elettriche, con 130 miglia in Aree ad Alto Rischio di Incendio (HFRA) e 23 miglia nelle aree di Altadena non HFRA. Ulteriori 19 miglia di circuiti ad Altadena sono attualmente in fase di valutazione.
La strategia di ricostruzione si concentra sull'aumento dell'affidabilità e della resilienza attraverso:
- Aggiornamento delle infrastrutture per soddisfare una maggiore domanda di elettricità
- Esplorazione delle Zone di Resilienza Comunitaria con energia di riserva
- Fornitura di batterie portatili per i clienti con esigenze critiche
- Installazione di pannelli intelligenti nelle proprietà ricostruite
SCE ha riconosciuto il potenziale coinvolgimento delle proprie attrezzature nell'incendio di Eaton, con indagini in corso. L'azienda ha condotto oltre 50 incontri con la comunità da gennaio e continuerà le discussioni per affinare il piano di ricostruzione.
Southern California Edison (SCE) ha presentado un plan integral para reconstruir la infraestructura de distribución eléctrica en las áreas de Altadena y Malibu afectadas por los incendios de enero. El plan, que oscila entre 860 y 925 millones de dólares, incluye la soterración de 153 millas de líneas eléctricas, con 130 millas en Áreas de Alto Riesgo de Incendio (HFRA) y 23 millas en áreas de Altadena que no son HFRA. Se están evaluando 19 millas adicionales de circuitos en Altadena.
La estrategia de reconstrucción se centra en aumentar la fiabilidad y la resiliencia a través de:
- Mejorar la infraestructura para acomodar una mayor demanda de electricidad
- Explorar Zonas de Resiliencia Comunitaria con energía de respaldo
- Proporcionar almacenamiento portátil de baterías para clientes con necesidades críticas
- Instalar paneles inteligentes en las propiedades reconstruidas
SCE ha reconocido la posible implicación de su equipo en el incendio de Eaton, con investigaciones en curso. La empresa ha realizado más de 50 encuentros comunitarios desde enero y continuará las discusiones para refinar el plan de reconstrucción.
서던 캘리포니아 에디슨(SCE)는 1월 산불로 피해를 입은 알타데나와 말리부 지역의 전기 배급 인프라를 재건하기 위한 포괄적인 계획을 발표했습니다. 이 계획은 8억 6천만 달러에서 9억 2천 5백만 달러 규모로, 153마일의 전선이 지하화될 예정이며, 이 중 130마일은 고위험 화재 지역(HFRA)에, 23마일은 비 HFRA 알타데나 지역에 해당합니다. 알타데나의 추가 19마일 회로는 현재 평가 중입니다.
재건 전략은 다음을 통해 신뢰성과 회복력을 높이는 데 중점을 두고 있습니다:
- 전기 수요 증가에 맞춰 인프라 업그레이드
- 백업 전원이 있는 커뮤니티 회복력 존 탐색
- 중요한 고객을 위한 휴대용 배터리 저장소 제공
- 재건된 속성에 스마트 패널 설치
SCE는 이튼 화재에 자사의 장비가 잠재적으로 연관되었음을 인정했으며, 조사가 진행 중입니다. 이 회사는 1월 이후 50회 이상의 지역 사회 참여를 진행했으며, 재건 계획을 보완하기 위한 논의를 계속할 것입니다.
Southern California Edison (SCE) a dévoilé un plan complet pour reconstruire l'infrastructure de distribution électrique dans les zones Altadena et Malibu touchées par les incendies de janvier. Le plan, d'une valeur de 860 à 925 millions de dollars, comprend l'enfouissement de 153 miles de lignes électriques, dont 130 miles dans des zones à haut risque d'incendie (HFRA) et 23 miles dans des zones d'Altadena non HFRA. 19 miles supplémentaires de circuits à Altadena sont en cours d'évaluation.
La stratégie de reconstruction se concentre sur l'augmentation de la fiabilité et de la résilience grâce à :
- La mise à niveau de l'infrastructure pour répondre à une demande électrique accrue
- L'exploration des Zones de Résilience Communautaire avec une alimentation de secours
- La fourniture de stockage de batteries portables pour les clients ayant des besoins critiques
- L'installation de panneaux intelligents dans les propriétés reconstruites
SCE a reconnu la possible implication de son équipement dans l'incendie d'Eaton, avec des enquêtes en cours. L'entreprise a mené plus de 50 engagements communautaires depuis janvier et continuera les discussions pour affiner le plan de reconstruction.
Southern California Edison (SCE) hat einen umfassenden Plan zur Wiederherstellung der elektrischen Verteilungsinfrastruktur in den von den Waldbränden im Januar betroffenen Gebieten Altadena und Malibu vorgestellt. Der Plan hat ein Volumen von 860 bis 925 Millionen Dollar und umfasst die Verlegung von 153 Meilen Stromleitungen unter die Erde, wobei 130 Meilen in Gebieten mit hohem Brandrisiko (HFRA) und 23 Meilen in nicht HFRA Altadena-Gebieten liegen. Weitere 19 Meilen von Stromkreisen in Altadena werden derzeit bewertet.
Die Wiederherstellungsstrategie konzentriert sich darauf, die Zuverlässigkeit und Resilienz zu erhöhen durch:
- Aufrüstung der Infrastruktur zur Bewältigung einer höheren Stromnachfrage
- Erforschung von Gemeinschaftsresilienz-Zonen mit Backup-Strom
- Bereitstellung von tragbaren Batteriespeichern für Kunden mit kritischen Bedürfnissen
- Installation von intelligenten Panels in den wiederaufgebauten Immobilien
SCE hat eine mögliche Beteiligung seiner Ausrüstung am Eaton-Brand anerkannt, und es laufen Ermittlungen. Das Unternehmen hat seit Januar über 50 Gemeinschaftsveranstaltungen durchgeführt und wird die Diskussionen fortsetzen, um den Wiederaufbauplan zu verfeinern.
- Major infrastructure upgrade with $860M-$925M investment in grid resilience
- Significant undergrounding of 153 circuit miles of power lines to reduce fire risk
- Implementation of advanced technologies including smart panels and battery backup systems
- Grid capacity expansion to support increased customer demand and clean energy adoption
- Reduction in future Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) events
- Acknowledgment of possible equipment involvement in Eaton Fire, indicating potential liability
- Multi-year timeline for complete project implementation
- High project costs may impact customer rates if funding from other sources isn't secured
- Ongoing litigation from affected parties
Insights
Edison International's $860-925 million rebuilding plan for wildfire-affected areas represents a substantial infrastructure investment with mixed implications for investors. The comprehensive undergrounding initiative covering 153 circuit miles in Altadena and Malibu areas demonstrates forward-thinking risk management, but comes with significant capital requirements.
The plan's scope extends beyond simple replacement, incorporating strategic grid modernization: voltage upgrades from 4kV to 16kV in west Altadena, advanced automation systems, and exploration of community resilience zones with backup power capabilities. These enhancements align with SCE's broader grid modernization strategy while specifically addressing high-fire-risk areas.
Two critical elements warrant investor attention: First, Edison's acknowledgment that SCE equipment may be involved in the Eaton Fire cause signals potential liability exposure, with litigation already initiated. Second, the company's emphasis on seeking external funding sources suggests they recognize the challenge of absorbing these costs entirely within their capital structure.
The accelerated permitting timeline enabled by gubernatorial support represents a regulatory positive, potentially allowing SCE to execute more efficiently than typical utility timelines would permit. However, the multi-year implementation timeline for portions of the rebuild introduces execution risk and extends the period before seeing full benefits.
This rebuilding initiative balances addressing immediate infrastructure needs against long-term wildfire risk reduction, with cost implications partially offset by enhanced grid resilience and potential regulatory goodwill.
Plan Reflects Input from Community and Key Stakeholders with a Focus on Resilience
SCE laid out a detailed plan in a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom, summarizing work and areas for collaboration with local, state and federal government; nonprofit and technology partners; and community members. The cost of the rebuild is estimated at
“Just three months have passed since the devastating wildfires, and all of us at Edison continue to keep those affected in our thoughts. We’re working closely with state and county leaders and the communities of
“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, adding that continued collaboration to streamline projects and secure funding resources is needed to rebuild wildfire-impacted communities without delay.
“SCE will build back a resilient, reliable grid for our customers,” said Steven Powell, president and CEO of SCE. “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.”
Edison International has acknowledged the possibility of SCE’s equipment being involved in the cause of the Eaton Fire. The investigation is ongoing, and the company remains 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. The rebuilding plan includes:
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Undergrounding 40 circuit miles of distribution lines in
Altadena and surrounding neighborhoods within HFRA and 23 circuit miles in non-HFRA, along with 90 circuit miles inMalibu and the nearby area within HFRA. SCE is evaluating the feasibility of an additional 19 circuit miles inAltadena . The scope and timing of undergrounding is based on permitting, community and customer plans, and the ability to secure funding. Some sections of the grid are set to be completed in just a few months while others are expected to take several years. Power lines that are not undergrounded will be hardened with covered conductor. The plan, refined through continued discussions and requiring support from various entities, will reduce Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and enhance service reliability for customers.
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Upgrading infrastructure to accommodate greater customer demand for electricity, increase reliability and support clean energy adoption. These efforts, which are consistent with SCE’s grid enhancement plans throughout the service area, include updating the grid design to accommodate more customer demand (such as increasing the distribution voltage in west
Altadena from 4 kV to 16 kV) and advanced grid technologies such as automation to enhance SCE’s ability to maintain equipment, isolate disruptions and restore service faster.
- Strengthening long-term community resilience and optimizing the grid through localized energy solutions. These efforts include exploring the potential to develop designated Community Resiliency Zones where customers can shelter with backup power during emergencies; providing portable battery storage for critical care customers; and installing smart panels at rebuilt residential properties to provide greater control over energy usage and easier adoption of new technologies.
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Benefitting customers by accelerating rebuilding through cross-sector collaboration, including partnerships with
Los Angeles County , Caltrans and telecommunications providers to consider ways to coordinate civil work, reduce costs and streamline permitting. SCE is actively exploring more ways to reduce these costs and seeking opportunities to access state, federal and philanthropic funds to ease the financial burden on customers.
SCE has conducted over 50 community engagements, town halls and listening sessions since January to develop the plan. Discussions will continue in the weeks and months ahead and be used to refine SCE’s rebuilding plan.
About Southern California Edison
An Edison International (NYSE: EIX) company, Southern California Edison is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, serving a population of approximately 15 million via 5 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area within Central, Coastal and
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Media Relations: (626) 302-2255
News@sce.com
Investor Relations: Sam Ramraj, (626) 302-2540
Source: Southern California Edison
FAQ
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