Southern California Edison Outlines $925M Plan to Rebuild Wildfire-Damaged Infrastructure in Altadena and Malibu
Southern California Edison (SCE) has unveiled an extensive rebuilding plan aimed at restoring and improving the electrical distribution infrastructure in the Altadena and Malibu areas, which were severely impacted by the wildfires in January. The goal of this initiative is to enhance the resilience and reliability of the electrical grid in these wildfire-prone regions. The plan includes the undergrounding of significant portions of the power grid to reduce the risk of future fires and improve long-term infrastructure stability.
Key Aspects of the Rebuild Plan
SCE’s rebuilding plan targets a total of 153 circuit miles of electrical distribution lines. Of this, 130 circuit miles will focus on High Fire Risk Areas (HFRA) within the fire-impacted regions, with nearly all power lines in these areas being placed underground. An additional 23 circuit miles of power lines in Altadena, which are not currently in HFRA, will also be undergrounded. Additionally, the company is evaluating the feasibility of undergrounding 19 more circuit miles in Altadena. This effort aims to minimize the risk of future wildfires and strengthen the grid’s reliability in these fire-prone areas.
The rebuild will also involve making significant upgrades to the electrical infrastructure to meet the growing demand for electricity in these communities. These upgrades will ensure that the grid can support future energy needs, including the adoption of clean energy technologies.
The total estimated cost of this comprehensive rebuild is between $860 million and $925 million. In an effort to offset costs, SCE is committed to collaborating with local, state, and federal entities, as well as nonprofit organizations and technology partners. The company is actively seeking additional funding sources to make the project a reality and minimize the financial burden on customers.
Working in Close Collaboration with Local, State, and Federal Partners
In a letter to California Governor Gavin Newsom, SCE outlined the details of the rebuilding plan and emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and nonprofit organizations. The plan highlights the need for coordinated efforts to streamline project timelines, secure necessary permits, and allocate funding efficiently.
Pedro J. Pizarro, President and CEO of Edison International, SCE’s parent company, expressed deep concern for those affected by the wildfires, noting that the company is focused on rebuilding the affected communities stronger than before. He praised the leadership of Governor Newsom, stating that his efforts have been instrumental in enabling SCE to design and permit the necessary projects in a fraction of the time it would normally take. While some projects typically take years to gain approval, the expedited process has allowed SCE to move quickly toward rebuilding the damaged infrastructure.
“SCE’s rebuilding plan will underground electrical distribution infrastructure where feasible and make the most of breakthrough technologies to reduce wildfire risk,” Pizarro said. He also emphasized that collaboration with government and community partners will be crucial to ensuring that the rebuild is completed as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Focus on Grid Resilience and Reliability
As part of its rebuilding efforts, SCE is committed to creating a more resilient and reliable grid. The company is not only focusing on the undergrounding of power lines but also enhancing grid capacity and incorporating advanced technologies to improve service reliability.
In Altadena, for example, the voltage of the distribution grid will be increased from 4 kV to 16 kV to accommodate greater demand for electricity. These upgrades will help meet the growing energy needs of the community and support the transition to clean energy. Additionally, the incorporation of advanced grid technologies such as automation will enable SCE to quickly identify and address disruptions, ultimately restoring power faster during outages.
Steven Powell, President and CEO of SCE, emphasized that the goal of the rebuild is to strengthen the grid and make it more adaptable to future challenges, including the increasing frequency of wildfires. “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,” Powell said.
Community Engagement and Support
SCE’s rebuilding plan is not just focused on technical improvements; it also aims to build long-term resilience in the affected communities. The company is exploring the creation of Community Resiliency Zones—designated areas where residents can take shelter with backup power during emergencies. These zones will be equipped with portable battery storage to ensure that critical care customers can maintain power during outages.
In addition, SCE is introducing smart panels in newly rebuilt residential properties to give customers more control over their energy usage. These panels will help residents manage their energy consumption more efficiently and make it easier to integrate new technologies such as solar power and battery storage.
SCE has also prioritized engaging with local communities throughout the rebuilding process. Since January, the company has conducted over 50 community engagement sessions, including town halls and listening sessions, to ensure that the views and concerns of residents are considered. These interactions will continue over the coming months as the plan is further refined.
Funding and Cost Reduction Efforts
The financial cost of rebuilding the infrastructure in Altadena and Malibu is significant, with estimates ranging from $860 million to $925 million. To help offset these costs, SCE is working closely with local, state, and federal authorities to secure funding from various sources. This includes exploring opportunities for state and federal grants, as well as partnerships with philanthropic organizations.
The company is also looking for ways to reduce the cost of the rebuild by collaborating with other entities. For example, SCE is working with Los Angeles County, Caltrans, and telecommunications providers to identify opportunities for cost savings and streamline the permitting process. By coordinating civil work and sharing resources, the company hopes to reduce the overall expense of the project and accelerate the rebuilding timeline.
Focus on Reducing Wildfire Risk
A key component of SCE’s rebuilding plan is to reduce the risk of future wildfires caused by electrical equipment. The undergrounding of power lines is one of the primary methods being used to achieve this goal. Power lines that are not undergrounded will be “hardened” with covered conductors, a safety measure designed to reduce the likelihood of sparking wildfires.
In addition to undergrounding and hardening infrastructure, SCE is exploring advanced technologies to monitor and detect fire risks in real time. This includes using sensors and data analytics to identify potential hazards before they escalate into full-blown fires. The company is also investing in fire-resistant equipment and other preventive measures to ensure that the grid remains safe and secure.
Ongoing Collaboration with the Public
SCE has made a commitment to transparency and community engagement throughout the rebuilding process. The company has acknowledged the possibility that its equipment may have contributed to the Eaton Fire, which is currently under investigation. Despite some ongoing litigation, SCE remains focused on rebuilding the affected communities and supporting the recovery efforts.
“We are committed to transparency with the public and to doing everything we can to support the communities we serve,” said Pizarro. “While we are still in the early stages of rebuilding, we are working closely with local, state, and federal authorities, as well as with the communities of Altadena and Malibu, to ensure that the rebuilt infrastructure is stronger, more resilient, and more reliable than ever before.”
