Socal-edison-power-outage-report

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has increased its oversight of SCE’s outage management.

Southern California Edison (SCE) is currently navigating a period of unprecedented operational challenges, characterized by a record-breaking increase in customer outages intended to mitigate wildfire risks. Despite multi-billion dollar investments in grid infrastructure, the utility has faced intensified scrutiny from regulators and mounting frustration from residents over the frequency, duration, and communication of these shutoffs. Record Increases in Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) socal-edison-power-outage-report

Utility executives have warned of a further 20% to 40% increase in the frequency and length of these shutoffs, citing factors like below-average rainfall and prolonged periods of high winds. Record Increases in Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)

In early 2026, the CPUC fined SCE $7.8 million for failing to meet notification requirements during January shutoffs in Riverside County, which impacted local schools. Regulatory Scrutiny and Financial Penalties To prevent its

While SCE has spent billions on grid hardening, the utility maintains that extreme weather conditions necessitate de-energizing circuits to ensure community safety. Regulatory Scrutiny and Financial Penalties

To prevent its electrical equipment from sparking wildfires during high-wind events, SCE significantly ramped up its Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) program in late 2025.

Localized repairs in Santa Ana required the installation of temporary generators in February 2026 to bridge a five-day service gap following major equipment failure.