Tell the CPUC: Authorize more power line undergrounding to protect Californians

In its proposed decision on the Southern California Edison (SCE) utility’s general rate case, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) recklessly calls for substantial curtailment of SCE’s planned wildfire-prevention measures. The CPUC’s proposed decision approves only 212 miles of power line undergrounding — less than one-third of what is needed to protect high-risk communities from catastrophic wildfires.

Why this matters:

Wildfire risk in SCE’s service territory is extreme and growing with each passing year. Undergrounding is the single most effective measure to virtually eliminate wildfires sparked by malfunctioning power lines — one of the most common causes of California wildfires. This solution is imperative, especially in areas with severe winds, limited evacuation routes, and high ignition potential.

Approving more miles of power line undergrounding would have minimal impact on customer bills, yet could prevent another multi-billion-dollar disaster and save lives.

What is at stake:
• Lives and homes in Severe Risk Areas
• Critical infrastructure and scenic landscapes
• Billions of dollars’ worth of avoidable economic and environmental losses

Your voice can make the difference. Tell CPUC President Alice Reynolds to authorize SCE’s full undergrounding proposal. The verifiable benefits — measured in lives saved, communities preserved, and costs avoided — clearly justify more extensive undergrounding efforts.