As the wildfire season continues to rage in Southern California, Edison International (EIX) has provided an update on the ongoing situation and its efforts to mitigate the impact on its customers. The company, through its subsidiary Southern California Edison (SCE), is working tirelessly to restore power and ensure the safety of its customers in the affected areas.

The recent wildfires, including the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires, have created life-threatening conditions and caused significant power outages. As of January 8, 2025, at 4 p.m. PST, 413,639 SCE customers were without power, with 183,186 outages related to the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program and 230,453 related to the windstorm (non-PSPS). Additionally, 453,872 customers were under a PSPS watch but still had power.

SCE has taken several measures to address the wildfire threat and minimize the impact on its customers. The company has implemented a PSPS program, which involves proactively de-energizing power lines in high-risk areas during severe weather conditions to prevent wildfires. This program has been instrumental in reducing the probability of wildfires associated with SCE's equipment by about 75%-80% since 2018.

In its 2023-25 Wildfire Mitigation Plan, SCE outlines several key strategies to further reduce wildfire risk and PSPS impact. These include:

1. Grid hardening: SCE plans to install more than 2,850 additional miles of covered conductor (coated wire) during this plan period, with a goal of replacing more than 7,200 miles of overhead distribution power lines in high fire risk areas with covered conductor by the end of 2025.
2. Undergrounding power lines: SCE has identified specific high-risk areas where the undergrounding of power lines will be prioritized. The company plans to complete about 100 miles of undergrounding by 2025 to address the high risk presented by limited exit and entry points to communities, extreme potential consequences, and other factors.
3. Enhanced vegetation management: SCE will continue to use drones and helicopters to inspect more than 250,000 structures each year in high-risk areas to determine the potential need for repair or replacement. This will help prevent ignitions from utility infrastructure and reduce the risk of wildfires.
4. Quick Reaction Force (QRF) of aerial firefighting resources: SCE is expanding its partnership with fire agencies in its service area by moving to a year-round QRF of aerial firefighting resources. The QRF includes helitankers, reconnaissance aircraft, and equipment to bolster firefighting, reduce a fire's consequences, provide service resilience to customers, and protect electrical infrastructure.

SCE's commitment to wildfire mitigation and customer safety is evident in its ongoing efforts to reduce the risk of wildfires and minimize the impact of PSPS on its customers. By implementing these strategies and collaborating with fire agencies, SCE is working to ensure the safety and reliability of its electric system in the face of extreme weather conditions.

As the wildfire season continues, it is essential for customers to stay informed and prepared. SCE encourages customers to sign up for email and SMS alerts to receive updates on power outages and safety information. By working together, SCE and its customers can navigate this challenging situation and ensure the safety and well-being of the communities they serve.



In conclusion, Edison International and Southern California Edison are actively addressing the wildfire threat in Southern California by implementing a comprehensive wildfire mitigation plan. Through grid hardening, undergrounding power lines, enhanced vegetation management, and collaboration with fire agencies, SCE is working to reduce the risk of wildfires and minimize the impact of PSPS on its customers. By staying informed and prepared, customers can play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and reliability of the electric system in the face of extreme weather conditions.