One year after the Eaton Fire started on Jan. 7, 2025, Southern California Edison (SCE) is implementing a Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program to help the community recover and rebuild faster.

As part of SCE’s commitment to long-term recovery following the wildfires, the company is also investing in infrastructure improvements that will help protect against future wildfires and support growth in Southern California. This includes plans to underground about 153 distribution circuit miles in and around Altadena and Malibu, California, and upgrade critical infrastructure to meet increasing customer demand.

In 2025, 40 miles were undergrounded throughout SCE’s service area, with 19.3 completed in the Malibu area and three in the Altadena community.

SCE also continues to deploy advanced grid technologies — such as automation — to enhance equipment maintenance, isolate disruptions and restore service faster.

Update on Eaton Fire Investigation

Following the unprecedented circumstances that preceded the Eaton Fire, SCE began its investigation in January with aerial and on-site inspections. The company continues to conduct close-up equipment testing in coordination with local authorities and stakeholders.

Based on currently available information about the ignition of the Eaton Fire, it is likely that SCE equipment could have been associated with the ignition, and induction of the idle line remains a viable explanation. To date, SCE is not aware of evidence pointing to another plausible source of ignition. While the investigation is ongoing, the company is focusing on compensation and recovery now — taking action to support people and help communities move forward.

“Our commitment is to continue connecting people with the resources they need so they can rebuild and thrive,” said Pizarro.

Coming Together

At the end of 2025, Southern California Edison (SCE) reported that communities across Southern California were continuing to show resilience following January’s  Palisades and Eaton fires.

"Families, neighbors and community organizations have come together to support one another, demonstrating a spirit that has defined the recovery," the company stated. "Southern California Edison stands with these communities, helping community members rebuild."

SCE is also delivering direct compensation to eligible community members affected by the Eaton Fire through its Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program. The comprehensive, voluntary direct claims initiative is designed to deliver fair resolutions and fast compensation to eligible individuals and businesses without the uncertainty of lengthy litigation. Since its launch in October, and as of December 31:

1,748 claims submitted

51 offers extended totaling $21.98 million, with no offers declined

27 claims payments made, consisting of 48 individual payments, well in advance of program timelines, reflecting SCE's commitment to swift, meaningful relief

22% of claims submitted by plaintiffs’ attorneys

“Witnessing the resilience across our communities is inspiring,” said Pedro J. Pizarro, president and CEO of Edison International, SCE’s parent company. “Through the Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program, community members don’t have to wait for the final conclusions in the Eaton Fire investigation to get the financial support they need to begin rebuilding.”

Compensation Program: Community Voices at the Core

Before launching the program in the fall, SCE held more than a dozen listening sessions with community members, public officials and legal representatives to seek feedback on the draft program details. More than 1,000 participants shared their feedback and offered ideas.

As a result, more than 50 updates were made, from expanding eligibility to simplifying documentation requirements. Dialogue has continued after the program’s launch to educate and connect with eligible community members, with SCE-hosted community meetings and workshops, town halls and engagements with community organizations.

Expediting Compensation

SCE worked with Kenneth R. Feinberg and Camille S. Biros —  experts in compensation fund design and administration — on program design. Their experience and compassion helped shape a process that prioritizes speed and equity.

When the program launched on Oct. 29, SCE committed to processing claims quickly and delivering payments fast.

Claimants receive a settlement offer within 90 days of a substantially complete claim. To date, SCE has provided dozens of offers well in advance of the 90 days.

Payments are made within 30 days after all conditions have been satisfied in the settlement agreement, including SCE’s receipt of it — signed and notarized.

If a claim requires analysis beyond the Fast Pay option, a Detailed Review is available.

“In recent weeks, we’ve seen real progress as more people access the support available to them,” Pizarro noted.

Participation in the program is entirely voluntary, and claimants are not obligated to accept any settlement offered. On average, completing the claim form takes just over 90 minutes, and assistance is available by calling 888-912-8528.

The program includes owner and tenant claims for total and partial structure loss, commercial property loss, business interruption, non-burn damage (such as smoke, soot or ash), physical injury and loss of life. A direct claim premium is offered to incentivize participation in the program, and a 10% adder is available to cover attorneys’ fees (excluding the direct claim premium).

From now through Nov. 30, 2026, claims can be submitted through a secure, dedicated website. Access detailed guidance, sample offers and frequently asked questions in English and Spanish, and submit a claim via the

Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program

.