Wildfires and Power Outages Affect Over 400,000 SCE Customers

Edison International has provided an update on the devastating impact of wildfires and severe windstorms in Southern California, which have caused widespread power outages. As of 4 p.m. PST on January 8, 2025, 413,639 Southern California Edison (SCE) customers were without power. Of these, 183,186 customers were affected by Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), while the remaining 230,453 outages resulted from the windstorm. Additionally, 453,872 customers are under PSPS watch but have not lost power yet. While the winds have begun to subside, dangerous conditions persist, and SCE has warned that power restoration could take several days, given the ongoing risks.

Severe Wildfires in SCE Service Area and Surrounding Areas

The wildfires of particular concern are the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires. The Palisades Fire, which began on Tuesday morning, is outside of SCE’s service area, but the Eaton and Hurst fires have directly impacted SCE’s transmission and distribution networks. The Eaton Fire started in SCE’s service area, with transmission lines on the east side of Eaton Canyon being affected. SCE had already de-energized its distribution lines in that area as part of its PSPS program to prevent any fire-related risks. The Hurst Fire, which ignited later that evening, occurred near transmission facilities that SCE operates, prompting the company to begin a review of the event.

SCE’s Efforts to Ensure Public Safety and Power Restoration

Safety remains the number one priority for SCE, its customers, employees, and the broader community. The company has extended its gratitude to the firefighters and public safety personnel who are working tirelessly to control the fires. As part of its ongoing response, SCE is collaborating with other regional utilities through the mutual assistance program, which is a well-established industry initiative designed to provide help during large-scale emergencies. While the most severe winds are easing, SCE expects that the hazardous conditions will persist into the weekend, potentially prolonging recovery efforts.

Reviewing PSPS Protocol and Ongoing Weather Threats

In the wake of these extreme weather events, SCE is conducting a review of its PSPS program and the operational response to the Eaton and Hurst fires. The company has already de-energized several areas before the fire outbreaks as part of its preventive strategy, though it continues to monitor the evolving situation. SCE is working to restore power as soon as conditions are safe, but they have emphasized that full restoration could take several days, depending on the severity of the weather and fire-related damage.