California’s SCE turns to undergrounding for wildfire resilience
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Southern California Edison (SCE) has released its plan to rebuild impacted electrical distribution infrastructure from the January California wildfires, namely through undergrounding.
The plan will cover the Altadena and Malibu areas affected by the wildfires, focusing on increasing reliability and long-term resilience, including the undergrounding of new distribution equipment.
SCE’s preliminary plan would underground 153 circuit miles: 130 circuit miles, which includes nearly all distribution power lines in high fire risk areas (HFRA) within the burn scars of the affected communities — plus 23 circuit miles in areas of Altadena not in HFRA. An additional 19 circuit miles in Altadena are being evaluated.
The rebuilding plan includes:
• Undergrounding
Undergrounding will cover 40 circuit miles of distribution lines in Altadena and surrounding neighborhoods within HFRA and 23 circuit miles in non-HFRA, along with 90 circuit miles in Malibu and the nearby area within HFRA. SCE is evaluating the feasibility of an additional 19 circuit miles in Altadena.
The scope and timing of undergrounding is based on permitting, community and customer plans, and the ability to secure funding. Some sections of the grid are set to be completed in just a few months while others are expected to take several years.
Powerlines that are not undergrounded will be hardened with covered conductor.
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• Upgrading
Power infrastructure will be upgraded to accommodate greater customer demand for electricity, increase reliability and support clean energy adoption.
These efforts include updating the grid design to accommodate more customer demand, such as increasing the distribution voltage in west Altadena from 4kV to 16kV, and advanced grid technologies such as automation to enhance SCE’s ability to maintain equipment, isolate disruptions and restore service faster.
• Strengthening
Existing infrastructure will be strengthened for long-term community resilience and the grid will be optimised through localised energy solutions.
These efforts include exploring the potential to develop designated Community Resiliency Zones where customers can shelter with backup power during emergencies; providing portable battery storage for critical care customers; and installing smart panels at rebuilt residential properties to provide greater control over energy usage and easier adoption of new technologies.
• Rebuilding
SCE plans to accelerate rebuilding through cross-sector collaboration, including partnerships with Los Angeles County, Caltrans and telecommunications providers to consider ways to coordinate civil work, reduce costs and streamline permitting.
SCE says they are also exploring more ways to reduce these costs and seeking opportunities to access state, federal and philanthropic funds to ease the financial burden on customers.
Commenting in a release was Pedro J. Pizarro, president and CEO of Edison International, SCE’s parent company: “Just three months have passed since the devastating wildfires, and all of us at Edison continue to keep those affected in our thoughts.
“We’re working closely with state and county leaders and the communities of Altadena and Malibu to rebuild wildfire-impacted areas stronger than ever. SCE’s rebuilding plan will underground electrical distribution infrastructure where feasible and make the most of breakthrough technologies to reduce wildfire risk.”
Said Steven Powell, president and CEO of SCE: “SCE will build back a resilient, reliable grid for our customers.
“We are increasing electrical capacity in fire-impacted communities and exploring advanced technologies, such as battery backup for critical care customers and smart panels, to better serve our customers. We will continue to engage community members to make sure their views remain a critical part of the rebuild. I am proud to work alongside SCE colleagues as we support our communities and build a resilient, clean and affordable energy future.”
SCE laid out their detailed plan in a letter to California Governor Gavin Newsom. The cost of the rebuild is estimated at $860 million to $925 million.
SCE conducted over 50 community engagements, town halls and listening sessions since January to develop the plan. Discussions will continue in the weeks and months ahead and be used to refine the plan.
Edison International has acknowledged the possibility of SCE’s equipment being involved in the cause of the Eaton Fire. An investigation is ongoing.
