As Southern California enters its second week of extreme fire weather conditions with strong winds, dry vegetation and low humidity forecast, Southern California Edison wants customers to be prepared for more potential power outages.

SCE implements Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and de-energizes selected power lines to reduce the risk that wind-driven debris could contact lines or damage equipment and cause a fire.

"As an electric utility, our top priority is to keep the power on for our customers," said Steven Powell, SCE president and CEO. "We know how disruptive and frustrating it is for customers to lose power for any length of time. When we do de-energize power in a PSPS, it’s a decision based on real-time data. PSPS is a last-resort measure to help protect communities from the threat of wildfires. PSPS will always remain one of our tools and customers can expect it to be used frequently until we get more rain and favorable weather."

Infographic: Public Safety Power Shutoff: Decision-Making Process

SCE continues to work with state and local fire officials to prioritize public safety.

“Please understand that the inevitable Public Safety Power Shutoffs that will be implemented prior to this life-threatening Santa Ana wind event are crucial to preventing new fire starts and that they help save lives,” said Anthony Marrone, Los Angeles County Fire Chief. “Yes, they are a challenge to deal with, but they are certainly better than having another fire start.”

The causes of the recent Los Angeles area wildfires remain under investigation.

Customers in areas where fire conditions are less extreme can also be impacted by PSPS, because circuits can stretch for several miles. SCE tries to switch customers to circuits that are not in harm’s way, but that is not always possible.

Power Restoration:

• SCE crews are working around the clock to restore power to customers.
• Once fire agencies release areas for restoration, damage assessment crews inspect areas and remove safety hazards. Vegetation management teams clear debris to support line crews in restoration efforts.
• As repairs are completed, power is first restored to essential services, and then to as many customers as is safely possible.
• Dangerous conditions may impact our progress, and it may take several days for SCE to restore power.
• Customers should be prepared for extended and potentially intermittent outages throughout these extreme conditions.

“I want to say thank you to the customers who have been impacted by PSPS-related outages because we recognize that it is a hardship for customers to be without power,” said Pedro J. Pizarro, president and CEO of Edison International, SCE’s parent company.