Southern California Edison (SCE) is set to start detailed inspections of power equipment linked to the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles. This announcement came from Edison International CEO Pedro Pizarro during the CERAWeek conference in Houston. The inspections will begin on Monday and include workers examining power towers in the Altadena area, as well as drone assessments.
The Eaton Fire, which broke out on January 7, resulted in significant destruction, claiming numerous lives and destroying thousands of homes. It is projected to be one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history. While the official cause of the fire has not yet been determined, several lawsuits have been filed against SCE, alleging that its power lines and towers ignited the blaze. Key plaintiffs include Los Angeles County and the City of Pasadena.
As investigations continue, both government officials and attorneys for fire victims are looking into the circumstances surrounding the fire. The outcome of these investigations will be crucial in deciding if SCE will face any financial penalties for potential negligence.
Edison International has reassured stakeholders that a California Wildfire Fund will help protect its financial standing amid these challenges. The company serves around 15 million customers as the largest electric utility in Southern California.