Southern California Edison (SCE) announced plans to replace over 150 miles of electrical wires damaged in recent fires in Malibu and Altadena with underground lines, aiming to reduce wildfire risks in these areas. This project, which will cost between $860 million and $925 million and take several years to complete, targets high-risk areas with about 130 circuit miles planned for underground installation. CEO Pedro Pizarro expressed optimism about enhancing community resilience, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding after devastating fires.
The initiative follows an order from Governor Gavin Newsom, which temporarily waives major environmental regulations to expedite rebuilding efforts. A preliminary plan submitted to the governor outlines replacing 153 circuit miles underground, with significant portions in Malibu and Altadena. While some sections can be completed swiftly, others may take longer, depending on local rebuild plans and permitting processes.
Edison is also exploring funding options to alleviate costs for customers, as connecting homes to the grid could be expensive. The current focus is on distribution lines, which bring electricity from the grid to consumers, while transmission lines are not included in this initiative. Overall, SCE aims to improve infrastructure while minimizing the financial burden on affected communities.
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