News Summary
Southern California Edison is set to rebuild over 150 miles of power lines underground to improve safety and reliability in wildfire-prone areas, particularly in Altadena and Malibu. Following a successful underground project in Beverly Hills, this initiative is designed to address the increasing threat of wildfires. Although there are financial concerns from residents, community leaders support efforts for greater undergrounding in high-risk zones to enhance infrastructure resilience amidst climate change.
Southern California – Southern California Edison (SCE) has announced plans to rebuild over 150 miles of power lines underground in response to the Eaton and Palisades Fires. This significant project aims to enhance safety and reliability in areas susceptible to wildfires, with the primary focus on regions in Altadena and Malibu. A smaller-scale underground project was recently completed in Beverly Hills, providing a successful model for future endeavors.
The Beverly Hills project was initiated by an anonymous property owner who opted to install underground power lines for a new home. The undertaking was managed by Jason Somers, president of Crest Real Estate, who emphasized the collaborative nature of such projects. The planning for one of the undergrounding projects in Beverly Hills began five years ago and involved various contractors, including Mabante Development, Inc. Due to regulations, multiple companies collaborated since private firms cannot work on Edison-owned lines without authorization.
The Hillcrest Road project in Beverly Hills is entirely funded by the property owner, viewed as a crucial investment in their new residence. This project has inspired other homeowners in Beverly Hills to consider similar undertakings, although experts note that these projects can be complex and typically involve several parties.
Mabante Development indicates that each undergrounding project is unique and often requires between nine to 16 months to complete. Crest Real Estate’s experience from the Hillcrest project enables them to assist other homeowners interested in installing underground lines, with Somers highlighting the hope for neighborhood collaboration to eliminate overhead lines that many consider unsightly.
In Altadena, approximately one mile of trenching and installation work for underground power lines has already been completed in areas affected by the Eaton Fire. SCE plans to install around 40 miles of underground lines in high-risk fire zones in Altadena, although necessary easements from homeowners must be obtained to carry out the work.
The decision to transition power lines underground aims to address safety concerns amid increasing wildfire incidents. However, many residents are apprehensive about the financial implications, with estimates suggesting that connecting to new underground lines could cost homeowners between $8,000 to $10,000. This has led to advocacy for alternative fire suppression methods as a more affordable solution.
Community leaders in Pacific Palisades are pushing for the complete undergrounding of power lines in designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, relying on neighborhood consensus to facilitate this major undertaking. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is actively collaborating with telecommunications firms to develop coordinated plans for undergrounding power lines in the area as well.
The Palisades project also includes plans to upgrade voltage in order to enhance capacity, aligning with SCE’s goal of improving infrastructure resilience amid climate change and associated fire risks. Though FEMA funding is anticipated to assist in financing these underground projects, concerns persist regarding transparency in costs and the overall financial burden on local homeowners during the rebuilding process.
As SCE continues to assess the balance between the costs and long-term benefits of underground lines, the community remains engaged, eager for improvements in safety infrastructure while weighing the potential economic impact on residents.
In summary, the commitment by Southern California Edison to undertake extensive undergrounding of power lines represents a proactive approach to addressing wildfire risks in Southern California. As projects commence in Altadena and Malibu, leaders and residents alike are focused on ensuring safety without compromising community finances.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Altadena and Malibu to Receive Major Electrical Upgrades
PG&E Unveils $1.4 Billion Wildfire Mitigation Plan for California
Wildfires Devastate Southern California’s Urban Areas
Additional Resources
- Beverly Hills Courier
- Wikipedia: Wildfires in California
- LAist
- Google Search: underground power lines
- NBC Los Angeles
- Google Scholar: undergrounding power lines
- Robb Report
- Encyclopedia Britannica: wildfires
- Screen Rant
- Google News: California power lines underground
- Time Out Los Angeles
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
