Common Questions

These FAQs summarize common questions about undergrounding and rebuilding support for customers in Altadena. For property‑specific timing, costs or meter/panel planning, contact SCE or visit the Altadena Rebuild & Community Hub (ARCH). Details and links are below.

Q: When will specific neighborhoods be undergrounded?

A: There is no single undergrounding date by neighborhood. Work is phased and depends on site conditions. Each property is unique, and connecting with an SCE service planner will help understand site-specific requirements and next steps.

Q: How can neighborhoods ask to be considered for undergrounding?

A: Neighborhoods can request consideration by contacting SCE, ideally through a block or community group, so the area can be reviewed based on local conditions.

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Q: When will temporary poles and wires be removed?

A: Temporary overhead facilities installed after the fire will be removed once underground service is complete and energized.

Q: Why do some poles remain after undergrounding starts?

A: Some poles carry telecom lines, so they may remain until those providers move or remove their equipment.

Q: Will poles be fully removed?

A: Not always.

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Q: Who pays for the underground system in the street?

A: In the street (utility side), SCE pays for underground distribution work, including planning and engineering.

Q: What costs are the homeowner’s responsibility?

A: On private property, customers are generally responsible for trenching, conduit and related work from the property line (or stub-out point) to their home’s electric panel.

Q: Will rebuilding customers be charged a "reconnection fee" on their bill?

A: No. There is not a reconnection fee from SCE for rebuilding customers.

Q: Does the customer pay for the meter or SCE’s connection work?

A: No. Customers do not pay for SCE’s work to connect the home to its system.

Q: Why are some customers hearing estimates of $15,000 or more?

A: Higher estimates can include work and other construction costs undertaken by homeowners, beyond SCE’s utility‑side work.

Examples of costs that lead to higher estimates for homeowners: trenching, conduit, landscape/hardscape restoration, panel upgrades/relocation, and nonelectrical utility work.

Note: Customer responsibilities can vary by property and applicable tariffs. SCE continues working with state, county and federal partners to explore ways to help offset customer expenses.

Q: What is the “allowance” amount?

A: Allowance amounts depend in part on the home’s fuel mix. For example, for an all-electric fuel mix, a residential allowance of about $6,600 is available.

Next step: See Disaster Recovery for programs and resources.

Q: Is SCE trying to reduce customer-side costs?

A: Yes. SCE is working with regulators on more flexible use of allowances and exploring grants or FEMA-related funding options to help offset some customer costs.

Next step: Check Disaster Recovery for updates and resources.

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Q: If a home is rebuilt before undergrounding is finished, will it need temporary overhead service?

A: A home can be built with an underground conduit now and temporarily served overhead until permanent underground service is ready.

Next step: Confirm temporary/permanent configuration with an SCE planner for your property.

Q: Should homeowners install trenching and conduit now?

A: Yes. If civil work is already underway, installing trenching and conduit during the rebuild can help prepare the property for future underground service.

Next step: Confirm requirements with an SCE planner.

Q: Can a home be set up for both temporary overhead and future underground service?

A: Yes. A combo-panel approach can support temporary overhead service now and underground conversion later.

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Q: What happens if homes are on private drives or behind other properties?

A: These cases require coordination with property owners because access, rights of entry or easements may be needed to place equipment across private land.

Next step: Property owners coordinate with SCE to confirm what permissions are needed.

Q: Will SCE extend facilities up a private drive?

A: Yes, where feasible. But only with the needed permissions from the property owners through a right of entry or easement.

Q: What is the difference between a right of entry and an easement?

• Right of entry: Temporary permission for surveys or construction preparation
• Easement: A permanent right for ongoing utility use

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Q: Why are some homeowners having trouble getting answers about meter or panel placement?

A: Meter and panel placement is property‑specific, so the fastest path is to work directly with an SCE service planner.

Next step: Visit ARCH or request a planner discussion for your property. (ARCH details are in “Contact and in‑person help” below.)

Q: Does SCE decide where the panel goes?

A: No. The homeowner’s architect or electrical designer typically decides the panel location, as long as it meets utility requirements.

Q: Can a homeowner choose a different panel location if SCE’s proposed connection makes the run longer?

A: Yes. If it still meets service requirements.

Next step: Ask SCE staff to estimate the cost impact of the alternate location.

Q: How do residents start the process and schedule inspections?

• Request service
• Work with a planner
• Complete connection steps

Next step: Use the Project Planning Portal or call 1-800-250-7339.

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Q: Will streets be repaved after undergrounding?

A: Yes. Repaving typically comes at the end of the work, and broader coordination may be needed if other utilities or reconstruction are still pending.

Q: How is SCE protecting trees during undergrounding?

A: SCE works to avoid tree damage where possible, including: 

• Arborist involvement
• Field reviews
• Design changes
• Special excavation methods near roots

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Q: Does the compensation program cover smoke cleanup costs?

A: Cleanup is not designated as a separate line item, but compensation from the Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program can still be used for those costs and more.

Next step: File a claim with SCE and receive an offer within 90 days. You can request a more detailed review if you need itemization upon receiving your offer.

Q: Where can I find more claims information?

A: See the Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program FAQ.

Q: How quickly is the direct claims process through the Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program supposed to move?

A: After receiving a substantially complete claim, SCE makes an offer within 90 days and payment within 30 days after all information and steps are complete.

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Q: Where can Altadena residents get in-person help?

A: The Altadena Rebuild Community Hub (ARCH) offers in-person help with service planning, temporary power, panel upgrades, billing questions, undergrounding and other rebuild issues.

Q: Is support still available at the one-stop permit center?

A: Yes. Support remains available there while more services transition to ARCH.

Q: Where should residents go with property-specific questions?

A: For property-specific questions, contact an SCE planner, project staff or visit ARCH for case-by-case help.

Q: What is the RISE program?

A: The Rebuilding Incentives for Sustainable Electric (RISE) Homes program offers incentives and guidance for all-electric, energy-efficient rebuilding after disasters.

Next step: See Disaster Recovery for program resources.

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