Southern California Edison responds to wildfires
Southern California Edison (SCE) has deployed more than 600 workers and taken preventative measures in response to wildfires spreading through its service territory and affecting the company’s customers and electric service.
Before the fires, SCE prepared by mobilizing a full emergency response team, pre-staging critical field personnel and implementing procedures to address potential impacts of high winds and fires. The company implemented a preventative power shutoff to the Idyllwild area in Riverside County for parts of Dec. 7 and Dec. 8.
The company is completing restoration in coordination with fire agencies and other first responders. SCE has completed restoration of equipment damaged by the Liberty fire and expects to complete restoration of equipment damaged in the Rye and Creek fires by Dec. 12. Where access has been granted, restoration of equipment damaged by the Thomas fire is underway, although the fire is largely uncontained.
In the areas that have been inspected, crews have replaced over 300 of the more than 500 poles that were destroyed.
Crews have conducted damage assessments in the majority of the Thomas fire areas that have been designated safe and in all of the areas affected by the Creek and Rye fires.
SCE is working to provide known medically sensitive customers in the impacted areas impacted with temporary generators and other support. The company also said that it would continue to work with affected customers to provide flexible payment arrangements or bill forgiveness depending on the situation.
SCE said in a press release believes the investigations include the possible role of its facilities. The company said it would continue to cooperate with the investigations and provide updates as circumstances warrant.
