Altadena and Malibu Prepare for Safer Power Lines

News Summary

Southern California Edison (SCE) has announced a major plan to underground power lines in Altadena and Malibu, aimed at enhancing safety and reliability as fire season approaches. The initiative addresses high fire risk areas, totaling approximately 153 circuit miles of power lines, with estimated costs between $860 million and $925 million. Community engagement will be prioritized, and the project includes upgrading the electrical grid to be more resilient against wildfires and increasing electricity demand.

Altadena and Malibu Gear Up for a Safer Electrical Future

In a major move to bolster safety and reliability, Southern California Edison (SCE) has unveiled an ambitious plan to underground power lines in areas hit hard by wildfires in January. The targeted communities, Altadena and Malibu, are now set to receive a much-needed electrical makeover as fire season looms closer.

The Details of the Plan

SCE has rolled out a detailed strategy aimed at rebuilding the electrical distribution infrastructure across 153 circuit miles of power lines. Of these, 130 circuit miles are situated in high fire risk areas (HFRA) that fall within the burn scars of last January’s wildfires. An additional 23 circuit miles will be located outside the HFRA in Altadena, with 19 more circuit miles under evaluation for future work.

All of this comes at an estimated cost ranging between $860 million and $925 million. To lighten the financial load for customers, SCE intends to explore efficiencies and seek external funding sources, including state and federal assistance.

Community Engagement and Transparency

In a bid to keep the community in the loop, SCE has hosted over 50 community engagement sessions, gathering invaluable input to shape this plan. This process will continue, ensuring a transparent dialogue as the project progresses. Governor Gavin Newsom has even thrown his support behind the initiative, speeding up the permitting process by suspending some environmental regulations.

Benefits of Undergrounding

Out of the numerous benefits, significantly reduced wildfire risks take center stage. By burying the power lines underground, the chances of electrical equipment igniting fires in the area drop drastically. This forward-thinking approach reflects a growing trend across California’s wildfire-prone regions, influenced heavily by community requests for enhanced fire safety measures.

Not only will this plan address fire risks, but it will also include upgrades to meet the increasing demand for electricity. By incorporating advanced technologies like battery backups, especially crucial for critical care customers, SCE is projecting an enhanced and more resilient electrical grid.

Hardening Power Lines

For lines that won’t be placed underground, SCE is planning to “harden” them using covered conductor technology to further mitigate fire risks. The timeline for construction can vary, with some areas on track for completion within months, while others could take a bit longer depending on community needs and the permitting process.

The Financial Aspect

Historically, the cost to place power lines underground can range from $3 million to $5 million per mile. In contrast, covering existing power lines with fire-resistant material is a more budget-friendly option at approximately $900,000 per mile. This project is a continuation of SCE’s commitment, having already undergrounded over 40 miles of power lines for around $110 million in reaction to previous wildfire challenges.

Looking Ahead

All in all, this rebuilding effort is not just a short-term fix but part of a larger strategy where SCE aims to underground about 600 miles of lines by the year 2028. With hopes of enhancing the safety and reliability of electric services in fire-affected areas, it’s clear that SCE is leaning into progressive changes designed to protect communities while fostering a resilient energy infrastructure.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• The New York Times: LA Fires and Southern California Edison
• Wikipedia: Wildfire
• Los Angeles Times: Edison to Bury Power Lines
• Google Search: Southern California Edison underground power lines
• Business Wire: SCE Rebuilding Plan for Altadena and Malibu
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Electric Power
• Solar Quarter: SCE Shares Rebuilding Plan
• Google News: California wildfire power lines