Southern California Edison (SCE), a subsidiary of Edison International, has submitted a $6.2 billion wildfire mitigation plan to California's Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety. The three-year proposal, covering 2026 through 2028, aims to address escalating wildfire risks intensified by prolonged droughts and extreme weather conditions.

The plan outlines significant infrastructure enhancements, including the installation of over 440 circuit miles of covered conductor and nearly 260 circuit miles of underground distribution lines. Additionally, SCE intends to integrate advanced safety technologies such as artificial intelligence for early fault detection and alternative undergrounding methods to bolster grid resilience.

This initiative follows the devastating Eaton Fire that erupted on January 7, 2025, in Eaton Canyon, Los Angeles County. The blaze resulted in at least 18 fatalities, destroyed more than 9,000 structures, and became one of the most destructive wildfires in California's history. Investigations have focused on SCE's electrical equipment as a potential ignition source. Reports indicate that transmission lines over Eaton Canyon experienced a momentary increase in electrical current around the time the fire ignited. Concerns have also been raised about vegetation management and the decision not to de-energize circuits during high wind conditions.

In response to these events, SCE faces multiple lawsuits alleging negligence. Los Angeles County has filed a lawsuit accusing the company of failing to maintain vegetation and not de-energizing circuits during hurricane-force winds. The Pasadena Unified School District has also filed a lawsuit seeking compensation for the loss of multiple buildings and operational disruptions caused by the fire.

Financially, SCE has estimated the cost to rebuild areas affected by the wildfires to be between $860 million and $925 million. Following the announcement of the wildfire mitigation plan, Edison International's shares declined by 1.6% in extended trading.

SCE's CEO, Steven Powell, emphasized the company's commitment to reducing wildfire risks, stating, "While wildfire risk can never be fully eliminated, we continue to harden the grid and invest ... reduce wildfire risk as much as possible."

The January 2025 wildfires had profound social impacts, including the loss of lives, destruction of homes, and displacement of communities. The fires also strained emergency response resources and highlighted vulnerabilities in the region's infrastructure. The proposed mitigation plan reflects a significant investment aimed at preventing future tragedies and enhancing public safety.

As SCE moves forward with its mitigation efforts, the company must navigate the challenges of implementing large-scale infrastructure projects while addressing the concerns of affected communities and stakeholders. The success of this plan will be closely monitored as California continues to grapple with the increasing threat of wildfires.