California regulators have directed Southern California Edison to evaluate fire risks associated with 355 miles of unused transmission lines, including equipment suspected of causing the deadly Eaton fire.
The Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety (OEIS) issued this order on December 23, requiring Edison to create a plan to manage these idle lines, potentially involving their removal. This action marks the first major regulatory response following the Eaton fire, which claimed 19 lives and destroyed over 9,000 structures in Altadena.
Edison is required to identify which lines pose the highest fire risk and propose measures to mitigate these risks. According to the Los Angeles Times, the company has been charging customers for maintenance on aging lines, despite not performing the work, which contributed to the fire hazard.
The Eaton fire, which occurred in January, was reportedly ignited by a dormant transmission line in Eaton Canyon that reenergized due to induction. CalMatters reported that federal prosecutors have sued Edison, alleging negligence led to the fire. The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking reimbursement for firefighting costs and damages to the Angeles National Forest.
The OEIS’s directive also applies to other California utilities, urging them to address fire risks associated with their unused lines. Edison spokesperson Scott Johnson stated that the company is reviewing idle lines and plans to comply with the new requirements. Edison has already added grounding equipment to its old lines to reduce fire risks.
The Eaton fire is not the first instance of utility equipment causing wildfires in California. Aitken Aitken Cohn highlighted that deteriorating power infrastructure has been linked to several destructive fires in the state. The firm is representing victims of the Eaton fire in lawsuits against Edison, seeking compensation for losses incurred.
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