SCE Service Impact of Station & Morris Wildfires

Sept. 1, 2009, 3 p.m. PDT


Update re: Southern California Edison Service Impact of the Station and Morris Wildfires


Current Situation
• There are approximately 85 customers without service in the foothill area near Mt. Wilson, and 138 customers without service in the Tujunga area, all affected by the Station Fire. There are an additional 133 customers without service in the Azusa Canyon area as a result of the Morris Fire.

Wildfire Impact on SCE System
• The Station Fire continues to threaten SCE’s high-voltage transmission and distribution lines in the Tujunga and Acton areas.
• SCE is working with the California Independent System Operator, who oversees the state-wide electrical transmission system to ensure sufficient electricity capacity, and rerouting of power capabilities is in place to meet all customer needs.

SCE Response
• SCE crews are being allowed limited access into some wildfire areas, but due to safety concerns, fire officials have not yet allowed SCE crews into other wildfire areas to begin damage assessment and grid repairs.
• At this time, SCE cannot estimate service restoration timeframes for customers in the wildfire areas.
• Wildfire Work Areas:
− Morris Fire (Azusa Canyon area): SCE crews have made an initial damage assessment and have begun working on restoration efforts.
− Station Fire (Tujunga area): SCE crews are assessing damage and will have updated details later today.
− Station Fire (Mt. Wilson area): SCE crews have not been granted access to access damage to the affected areas due to safety concerns.
• SCE is working closely with local officials, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and other agencies to help ensure coordination and understanding of electric service conditions in the wildfire areas.

SCE Forgives Bills for Fire Victims
• SCE customers whose homes were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable by recent wildfires will not have to pay for electricity used since the last bill they received at those damaged residences.
• SCE is also offering payment arrangements for those who were indirectly affected by the fires, such as customers who lost business income.
• Customers who qualify for bill forgiveness are encouraged to contact SCE toll-free at (800) 250-7339. Other customers who need special payment arrangements should call (800) 950-2356.

Wildfire Safety Tips
• Outages could occur at any time in the wildfire areas, so SCE reminds its customers to keep flashlights handy in the event of a service interruption.
• Do not rely on candles for lighting during a power outage because they could pose a fire hazard; use battery-operated lights instead.
• Check on the safety of family members and neighbors, especially those dependent on power for medical equipment.
• If you see downed lines, please call SCE and report it to the police and fire departments immediately. Never touch or try to move a downed power line.
• If possible, stay away from areas severely impacted by the fire damage. Traffic signals could be inoperative, poles and power lines could be blocking streets and utility crews could be in the area making repairs.
• If you are without electrical service in your home or business, leave one light switch in the “on” position to serve as a signal when electrical service has been restored. This will help limit stress on the electrical system when SCE restores service.
• Do not cook indoors with charcoal or other fossil fuels not meant for indoor use. They could create deadly fumes if used indoors.
• Turn off and unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment, especially sensitive electronics.

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