SCE outlines targeted undergrounding in Calabasas, Paradise circuit to start late June/early July

Southern California Edison (SCE) briefed the Calabasas City Council on May 27 about ongoing wildfire-hardening and targeted underground programs affecting streets in the city. Stephanie Mullen, SCE government relations manager, said SCE has completed more than 40 miles of covered conductor and 3.21 miles of undergrounding to date and plans approximately 17 miles of work within Calabasas over the next three years.

The first circuit scheduled is Paradise, where crews will underground approximately 1.28 miles of critical infrastructure along Olta Pena Canyon Road within city right-of-way. Construction activities are anticipated to occur Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., pending approvals; SCE warned of traffic lane closures and short delays during active operations and said signage and flaggers would manage traffic.

"The project purpose of targeting undergrounding effort is to intend to reduce wildfire risk and improve electric reliability during extreme weather conditions by relocating overhead electrical facilities underground," Stephanie Mullen told the council.

SCE said the work is intended to reduce wildfire risk and improve reliability. Mullen listed circuits slated for undergrounding in the coming years (Paradise, Plateau, Rhonda, Milo, Sienna and Horned Toad) and said more information will be shared with the city and the public as construction notices are issued.

Next steps: SCE will coordinate construction notices and traffic control plans with city staff and provide updates as schedules firm up.