Southern California Edison Commits $6.2 Billion to Protect California from Wildfires

As California braces for another intense wildfire season, Southern California Edison (SCE) has unveiled an ambitious $6.2 billion plan aimed at safeguarding its power infrastructure and protecting communities from the devastating impact of wildfires. Spread over three years, from 2026 through 2028, this comprehensive wildfire mitigation proposal is one of the largest initiatives of its kind in the state’s history.

The utility, which serves millions of customers across Southern California, has faced mounting pressure following a series of deadly and destructive wildfires — including the recent blaze that scorched Los Angeles neighborhoods in early January. That fire alone resulted in the loss of thousands of homes and lives, becoming the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history. While investigations continue, multiple lawsuits have been filed alleging that Edison’s electrical equipment may have sparked the blaze.

In response to growing risks, Edison’s new mitigation plan targets both immediate vulnerabilities and long-term resilience. A central focus is the upgrade and protection of high-risk transmission and distribution lines. The company intends to install over 440 circuit miles of covered conductor — power lines wrapped in protective insulation designed to prevent sparks — and nearly 260 circuit miles of underground distribution lines in wildfire-prone areas. These underground systems are less likely to be impacted by falling trees, flying embers, or high winds.

The plan also leverages cutting-edge technology to detect and respond to threats before they escalate. Edison is investing in AI and machine learning-powered fire detection systems, early fault detection, and alternative undergrounding methods tailored to California’s diverse terrains. These innovations are expected to increase both the accuracy and speed of identifying and addressing electrical faults, a key factor in fire prevention.

"While wildfire risk can never be entirely eliminated, we’re committed to doing everything possible to make our grid more resilient," said Steven Powell, CEO of Southern California Edison. "This plan is about preparing for the future while learning from the past."

Beyond infrastructure upgrades, the utility is working closely with local fire authorities and emergency response teams to align its efforts with broader public safety strategies. The investment also includes tools to improve power shutoff protocols, community alert systems, and vegetation management in high-risk zones.

Earlier this year, Edison had also submitted a separate proposal focused on rebuilding areas damaged by the January wildfires, with costs estimated between $860 million and $925 million. That recovery plan is part of a dual-track approach — one that addresses the aftermath of past fires while simultaneously building a stronger system for the years ahead.

The wildfire mitigation plan now awaits regulatory review by California’s Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety. If approved, the investment could reshape how utilities operate in an era of climate-driven disasters and rising public scrutiny.

For communities across Southern California — many still rebuilding and recovering — Edison’s strategy offers a glimmer of hope that future fire seasons won’t bring the same level of destruction. With climate change making wildfires more frequent and more ferocious, this initiative signals a turning point in how utilities tackle one of the state’s most urgent environmental challenges.