US Sues Southern California Edison

The United States federal government has filed two lawsuits against Edison International — Southern California Edison, a subsidiary of Edison International, alleging that the utility's equipment sparked two major wildfires: the Eaton Fire in January and the Fairview Fire in September 2022. The lawsuits, announced by US Attorney Bill Essayli, seek more than $77 million in damages for alleged negligence, trespass by fire, and violations of California public safety laws. The Eaton Fire, which occurred in the Los Angeles area, destroyed over 9,400 structures and killed 17 people, while the Fairview Fire scorched the San Bernardino National Forest, killing two people and destroying 44 structures. Edison International — Southern California Edison has acknowledged detecting a 'fault' on one of its transmission lines around the time of the Eaton Fire and reported 'concerning circumstantial evidence' to the United States — United States Securities and Exchange Commission suggesting its equipment's involvement. The government is confident in its case, citing Edison International — Southern California Edison's own admissions, and aims to prevent the utility from passing the costs of the lawsuits to ratepayers. This legal action follows previous lawsuits against Edison International — Southern California Edison by Altadena residents and United States — Los Angeles County, California for damages related to the Eaton Fire.