Southern California Edison to bury over 150 miles of Power Lines After Palisades, Eton Fires

Southern California Edison (SCE) announced plans to bury over 150 miles of power lines in response to the devastating Los Angeles County firestorms, specifically the Eaton and Palisades fires in January 2025. According to multiple sources, including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Reuters, SCE plans to underground 153 miles of power lines in fire-prone areas of Altadena and Malibu to reduce wildfire risk.

The project, estimated to cost between $860 million and $925 million, targets high-fire-risk zones, with approximately 90 miles in Malibu and 60 miles in Altadena.

This decision follows investigations into the Eaton fire, where SCE's equipment, including a potentially ungrounded idle transmission line, is a leading suspect for ignition.

The move aligns with Governor Gavin Newsom's request for utilities to bury power lines to prevent future fires, facilitated by relaxed environmental regulations to expedite rebuilding. SCE has already begun some work and is seeking funding from various entities to offset costs.