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SCE briefs Avalon council on wildfire risk, PSPS protocols and customer resiliency programs
Summary
Southern California Edison told Avalon council the island is in a high fire-risk zone, outlined mitigation measures (undergrounding, covered conductor), PSPS notification standards (4–7 days advance, 1–2 days pre-shutoff), and described customer resources including backup battery rebates, an event-loan program via 2-1-1 and a battery-storage pilot.
A Southern California Edison representative briefed the Avalon City Council on wildfire risk, Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and customer resources at the July 7 meeting, stressing that the island appears in the service area's high fire-risk mapping.
The presenter noted that 15 of the 20 most destructive California fires have occurred since 2015 and that SCE uses a fire potential index and covered-conductor projects to reduce ignition risk. The company reported only six outages on the island in 2024 and emphasized ongoing investments such as undergrounding where practical and insulated conductors where needed.
On PSPS communications, SCE said notifications to customers typically begin several days ahead (a standard of four to seven days) with 1–2 days' notice immediately before an anticipated shutoff; customers will receive additional updates while crews inspect facilities and restore service. The presentation highlighted customer resiliency programs: a critical-care backup battery program for eligible households, a marketplace for rebates on portable power stations, an event-loan battery program accessible via 2-1-1 after PSPS activation, a home battery pilot with income qualifications and community resource centers (City Hall listed as a local site). Council members sought clearer circuit-to-map information; SCE said maps and list views would be improved.
