Edison International updates on Southern California wildfires and SCE power outages Investing.com
ROSEMEAD, Calif.–( BUSINESS WIRE )–Strong winds and several dangerous wildfires continue to create life-threatening conditions in parts of Southern California.
Edison International (NYSE: ) and Southern California Edison (SCE) extend their thoughts to all those affected by this devastating event and express their deepest gratitude to the firefighters, public safety officials and all utility workers supporting customers in California.
As of January 7th, SCE has restored more than 500,000 customers of the ‘more than 90% outage’ with 62,662 customers currently without power as of 5:30am on January 12th. Severe equipment damage and access restrictions in wildfire-affected areas can lead to recovery times that take longer than usual, from days to, in some cases, weeks. Thousands of SCE employees and contractors are working alongside mutual aid crews 24/7 to restore power.
SCE has filed two Electrical Safety Incident Reports (ESIRs) related to the current wildfires, one for Eaton (NYSE:) Fire and another for Hurst Fire. ESIRs are submitted to the California Commission (CPUC) for incidents that meet certain criteria, such as significant media attention or a government investigation. These short reports contain preliminary information and are delivered within two to four hours of the triggering event. In order to satisfy CPUC requirements, these reports are often submitted before SCE can determine whether its electrical appliances are ignition-related.
Eaton Fire
On January 9, SCE filed an ESIR regarding the Eaton fire, as the incident may have met the reporting requirements, such as significant media attention and more than $200,000 in property damage. In addition, SCE received evidence preservation notices from counsel representing the insurance companies in connection with the fire. SCE conducted a preliminary analysis of electrical circuit information for four live transmission lines in the Eaton Canyon area. That analysis shows no outages or operational/electrical anomalies from 12 hours before the reported fire start time to more than one hour after the reported fire start time. Apart from conservation notices suggesting SCE’s potential involvement and media attention surrounding the fire, SCE would not have submitted an ESIR.
Hurst Fire
On January 10, SCE filed an ESIR related to the Hurst Fire after SCE learned that fire agencies were investigating whether SCE equipment was involved in the ignition, the reporting trigger event. SCE noted that the fire was reported on Jan. 7 around 10:10 p.m., and preliminary information indicates that the Eagle Rock – 220 kV Sylmar circuit experienced a relay at 10:11 p.m. A downed transmission line was discovered on a tower connected to the Krug Rock – Sylmar 220 kV Eagle. SCE does not know whether the observed damage occurred before or after the fire.
Forest fire relief efforts
To support communities affected by the wildfires, Edison International has announced a $1 million financial contribution to community organizations to support relief efforts and help 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 for employee contributions to three local nonprofits “Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Pasadena Humane and YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles; and $100,000 to US charities to help employees affected by wildfires.
We are proud to support nonprofit organizations that provide critical services to our customers and employees, and we are grateful for the contributions of other Southern California businesses that have stepped up to support our communities during these difficult times, said Pedro J. Pizarro, president and CEO of Edison International. Their joint efforts demonstrate the strength and resilience of our region, and we are honored to stand with them in providing help and support to those in need.
Power restoration
We greatly appreciate the dedicated efforts of SCE employees and mutual aid colleagues who are working around the clock to support our communities during this challenging time, said Steven D. Powell, SCE President and CEO. Their unwavering dedication and hard work is truly commendable.
Extreme weather conditions continue to be a rapidly changing situation. Although wind conditions have improved, hazardous weather is expected through January 15 in some areas. Security remains the company’s top priority for customers, communities and employees. Some customers may be without power this weekend and into the coming week, whether due to Public Safety Power Outages (PSPS), high winds, wildfires or other conditions. SCE will restore service as soon as it is safe to do so. Crews patrolling tracks de-energized by PSPS found damage that shows PSPS has already been valuable in protecting communities during this storm.
About Edison International
Edison International (NYSE: EIX) is one of the largest state-owned 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 that supplies electricity to 15 million people throughout southern, central and coastal California. Edison International is also the parent company of Trio (formerly Edison Energy), a portfolio of unregulated competitive companies that provide integrated sustainability and energy consulting services to large commercial, industrial and institutional organizations in North America and Europe.
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Investor relations: Sam Ramraj, (626) 302-2540
Relations with the media: (626) 302-2255
Vijesti@sce.com
Source: Edison International
