So Cal Edison Unveils Collaborative Infrastructure Rebuild in Fire-Damaged Altadena

Southern California Edison said Tuesday it is pioneering a community-driven approach to rebuilding electrical infrastructure in fire-ravaged Altadena, requiring 100% neighborhood participation and offering $500 compensation to residents who sign right-of-entry agreements.

The utility plans to underground 63 miles of electrical lines across the Eaton Fire burn area, with 23 miles targeted for completion this year. Of those 23 miles, approximately half are in the high fire risk area, and half are in areas with no existing electrical infrastructure.

“We are deeply committed to building back Altadena stronger alongside the community,” said Karla Diaz Sayles, vice president of local public affairs for Southern California Edison.

The first phase of undergrounding will focus on areas near East Loma Alta Drive and Sunny Oak Circle, with additional areas planned for the west side of Lake Avenue in August and September. The project requires every property owner on a block to agree to infrastructure changes.

David Fanous, Operations Section Chief, Wildfire Restoration and Rebuild, said the utility will prioritize areas where they can immediately provide power to returning residents, avoiding the need for generators. The utility has already completed the upgrades from 4kV to 16kV electrical systems to support future clean energy adoption, including electric vehicles, and all-electric home systems.

Residents will receive a three-page right-of-entry document detailing exactly how their property will be impacted. Pad mounts will typically serve six to eight homes, and the utility is working to minimize disruption to existing landscaping.

SCE is also exploring ways to offset connection costs, including working with Los Angeles County to apply for FEMA hazard mitigation grants to help residents transition from overhead to underground electrical lines.

The utility said it plans to continue community outreach, including presentations to neighborhood groups and the Altadena Town Council, to keep residents informed about the ongoing rebuild process.