Visual representation of the underground power lines initiative by Southern California Edison.
Southern California Edison (SCE) has announced a significant $860 million initiative aimed at undergrounding power lines in high fire risk areas of Altadena and Malibu. The project includes approximately 153 circuit miles of power lines to enhance electrical grid reliability and mitigate wildfire risks following the devastating January wildfires. With a focus on community engagement, SCE has conducted numerous discussions to ensure the plan meets local needs. This initiative is part of a larger strategy to improve electrical infrastructure by 2028, including hardening lines and integrating advanced technologies.
In a groundbreaking move for both Altadena and Malibu, Southern California Edison (SCE) announced an ambitious plan to rebuild the electrical distribution infrastructure in areas hit hard by January wildfires. This $860 million initiative aims to significantly enhance the reliability and long-term resilience of the electrical grid by shifting power lines underground—a decision that has many local residents cheering.
With plans to underground approximately 153 circuit miles of power lines, SCE is focusing on high fire risk areas (HFRA) and regions scarred by past blazes. Specifically, 130 circuit miles targeted for undergrounding sit within these hazardous zones, while an additional 23 circuit miles in Altadena are outside of HFRA. And that’s not all—another 19 circuit miles in Altadena are currently under evaluation and could soon be added to the list.
The projected cost of this massive rebuilding project is estimated to fall between $860 million and $925 million. To help with financing, SCE is actively seeking efficiencies and exploring various external funding sources. This proactive approach is designed to alleviate some of the financial burden on local customers as costs rise.
What’s remarkable about this plan is how SCE has prioritized community involvement. More than 50 community engagement sessions have already been conducted to gather input for the rebuilding effort. These discussions will continue as SCE fine-tunes the plan to better meet the needs of affected residents.
Additionally, SCE has shared this comprehensive plan with California’s Governor. The state has facilitated quicker permitting processes by temporarily suspending specific environmental laws to expedite the necessary approvals for these critical projects.
Officials strongly believe that undergrounding power lines will significantly diminish the wildfire risks in this region. SCE acknowledges the possibility that its equipment may have played a role in previous wildfires, and the company is dedicated to ensuring transparency as investigations into such incidents proceed.
The initiative does not just aim to protect against wildfires; it also focuses on upgrading the infrastructure to meet growing demand for electricity. This includes incorporating advanced technologies, such as battery backups aimed at supporting critical care customers. SCE plans to embrace new technology and resilience strategies for fire-affected communities.
This project falls within a larger strategy for SCE, which seeks permission to underground about 600 miles of power lines by 2028. Even for the sections of the grid where lines will remain above ground, there are plans in place to “harden” them using fire-resistant materials—an approach that is significantly cheaper at around $900,000 per mile compared to undergrounding costs that can reach between $3 million and $5 million per mile.
As residents of both Altadena and Malibu await the start of construction, timelines vary widely. Some areas may see work completed within a few months, while others could take years. The need for enhanced fire safety measures reflects a growing trend in California’s wildfire-prone regions, signaling a shift toward smarter, more resilient infrastructure.
With SCE’s commitment to improving electrical capacity and safety measures, these changes could mark a significant turning point in how power is delivered in these fire-prone areas. For countless families and local businesses, this initiative could mean feeling safer and more secure in their daily lives.
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