News Summary

Southern California Edison (SCE) is set to implement a robust electrical rebuilding plan for Altadena and Malibu, focused on undergrounding power lines to enhance wildfire safety and reliability. The project, estimated to cost between $860 million and $925 million, will cover a significant 153 circuit miles, with community engagement and input playing a vital role. Governor Gavin Newsom supports the initiative, easing permitting processes. This extensive upgrade aims to bolster electrical capacity and safety as California faces increasing wildfire threats.

Big Electrical Upgrades Coming to Altadena and Malibu

Get ready, Altadena and Malibu! Southern California Edison (SCE) is rolling out a massive rebuilding plan to improve the electrical system in your neighborhoods, especially after the wildfires that struck in January. This impressive project comes with a price tag between $860 million and $925 million and promises to make your electricity supply much more reliable.

What’s the Plan?

SCE’s ambitious plan focuses on undergrounding about 153 circuit miles of power lines. This undergrounding effort includes:

130 circuit miles in high fire risk areas (HFRA) that were impacted by the recent burn scars.
23 circuit miles in Altadena that are outside of HFRA, with an additional 19 circuit miles still under evaluation.

The intention behind this undergrounding is not just aesthetic; it significantly aims to reduce wildfire risks in the area. By placing the lines underground, SCE hopes to protect them from tree falls, winds, and other potential hazards that make living in wildfire-prone areas so challenging.

Community Engagement and Support

Before moving ahead with this major reconstruction effort, SCE has held over 50 community engagement sessions to listen and gather valuable input. It’s clear that they are committed to integrating the voices of the people into their plans. This project isn’t just about wires and poles; it’s about building a safer future for residents.

California Governor Gavin Newsom is on board too! He has facilitated faster permitting processes by suspending certain environmental laws, so you can expect to see this project moving ahead sooner rather than later.

Making Electricity Safer and Stronger

As if that isn’t enough, this project will also cater to the increasing demand for electricity in your communities. In addition to undergrounding, SCE is set to make critical upgrades that will enhance electrical capacity and incorporate advanced technology like battery backups for those who rely on power for medical purposes. The timeline for this construction varies; some areas may see completion within months, while others could take years, depending on the specific community needs and permitting process.

Cost and Financing the Project

Now, you might be wondering how this hefty project will be financed. SCE recognizes the potential financial burden on customers and is actively seeking state, federal, and philanthropic funding to help offset costs. Historically, undergrounding power lines has ranged from $3 million to $5 million per mile, while making lines fire-resistant is much more affordable at around $900,000. This means that SCE is eager to find efficient ways of managing the budget and ensuring that the cost isn’t solely placed on the shoulders of local residents.

A Trend Toward Safety

As wildfires become a more pressing issue in California, this latest initiative by SCE reflects a broader trend towards the undergrounding of power lines in fire-prone regions. It aligns with growing community requests for improved fire safety measures. After having already undergrounded over 40 miles of power lines at a cost of around $110 million in response to previous wildfires, SCE is taking significant strides toward making AltaDena and Malibu a safer place for everyone.

This project is more than just a rebuild; it’s a promise to the community that SCE is here to keep you safe and powered, no matter what. As this project unfolds, expect even more updates, and perhaps a chance to participate in shaping the future of your neighborhood’s electrical infrastructure!

Major Electrical System Upgrades Planned for Altadena and Malibu