SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON AND ITS PARENT COMPANY FACE CONTINUED LAWSUIT RESULTING FROM THE CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES

As previously reported, a lawsuit has been filed against Southern California Edison on behalf of the victims of the Eaton wildfire which occurred earlier this year. This is not the only lawsuit the electric company is facing following the recent Los Angeles wildfires.

The parent company of Southern California Edison, Edison International (“EI”), is now facing a lawsuit following the Eaton Fire. Shareholders have brought a proposed class action lawsuit, alleging EI misled its investors by asserting it implemented safety programs aimed at mitigating the potential risk of a wildfire by de-energizing power lines when necessary.

Follow the outbreak of the devastating fires, lawsuits began to blame Southern California Edison for starting the fires by way of its electrical equipment during the Santa Ana Winds. This is allegedly when shareholders began to question the truth behind the claims of a proactive de-energizing program during extreme weather. Further, Edison was informed that its electrical equipment may have caused the Eaton Fire, and it is believed the electrical company’s equipment is may possibly be linked to the Hurst Fire as well.

Currently, Edison has refused to provide a comment regarding the shareholder lawsuit it now faces.

In addition to the recent shareholder lawsuit, Los Angeles County has also filed suit against Southern California Edison and its parent company EI. Dawn R. Harrison, counsel for Los Angeles County, has stated the County is “committed to seeking justice for the Altadena community and the taxpayers of Los Angeles County.” While the official cause of the Eaton Fie is still being investigated, the basis of the County’s lawsuits is the allegation the fire was caused by Edison.

Early reviews of evidence by fire investigators indicate the origin of the fire in the Eaton Canyon. Notably, there are four active transmission lines in the canyon (as well as three inactive lines). According to the County, it is clear the equipment owned by Edison was the cause of the fire.

Edison has noted there may be a connection between its equipment and both the Eaton and Hurst Fires.

In response to the lawsuit filed by the County, Edison has stated “Our hearts continue to be with the communities affected by the wildfires.”