Edison International is set to start accepting claims soon to help those affected by the deadly Eaton Fire that devastated parts of the Los Angeles area earlier this year. According to Edison’s CEO, Pedro Pizarro, the company aims to have its compensation program ready well before Thanksgiving, with payments expected to begin by early 2026.
The Eaton Fire, which broke out in January, claimed 19 lives and destroyed thousands of homes and buildings, mainly in Altadena. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation and Edison has not officially taken responsibility, multiple lawsuits suggest the company’s equipment may have started the blaze. Edison has acknowledged a possible link between its equipment and the fire’s origin.
Edison’s new program offers quicker payouts compared to the slow legal process, although the amount might be lower than what victims could potentially get through lawsuits. For homeowners who lost single-family residences, the company proposes reimbursements ranging from $550 to $750 per square foot. For example, a 1,500 square-foot home could receive about $900,000, depending on insurance adjustments. Those who settle directly with Edison without involving mediation or court can receive an extra $200,000, plus additional compensation—$100,000 for each adult and $50,000 per child—to cover pain and suffering.
The process aims to be efficient, with the fastest route taking about 60 days between claim submission and receiving an offer. Once victims accept, checks should be issued within 30 days. Pizarro mentioned that Edison will launch a website and phone lines to assist applicants and plans to have physical locations for those less comfortable with online resources.
Despite the offer, some victims might still prefer to pursue larger settlements through lawsuits, a trend seen historically with such voluntary programs. The fire’s insured losses are estimated to reach as high as $23 billion, raising questions about the long-term impact on Edison and California’s wildfire fund, which helps compensate victims and protect utility shareholders.
Edison’s effort comes amid broader state moves to strengthen wildfire funds, highlighting ongoing challenges in addressing wildfire damage and compensation after recent devastating fires in California.