Utility executives have warned of a further 20% to 40% increase in the frequency and length of these shutoffs, citing factors like below-average rainfall and prolonged periods of high winds.
Southern California Edison (SCE) is currently navigating a period of unprecedented operational challenges, characterized by a record-breaking increase in customer outages intended to mitigate wildfire risks. Despite multi-billion dollar investments in grid infrastructure, the utility has faced intensified scrutiny from regulators and mounting frustration from residents over the frequency, duration, and communication of these shutoffs. Record Increases in Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)
In early 2026, the CPUC fined SCE $7.8 million for failing to meet notification requirements during January shutoffs in Riverside County, which impacted local schools. socal-edison-power-outage-report
While SCE has spent billions on grid hardening, the utility maintains that extreme weather conditions necessitate de-energizing circuits to ensure community safety. Regulatory Scrutiny and Financial Penalties
Significant storms in late 2025 and early 2026 led to widespread outages in Palm Springs, where repair efforts were delayed because power poles in backyards were inaccessible to service trucks. Critical Resources for Customers Utility executives have warned of a further 20%
To prevent its electrical equipment from sparking wildfires during high-wind events, SCE significantly ramped up its Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) program in late 2025.
Investigations continue into the handling of December 2025 shutoffs, with regulators monitoring SCE's progress in reducing the impact of planned outages. Recent Outage Events (Spring 2026) Record Increases in Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has increased its oversight of SCE’s outage management.
Utility executives have warned of a further 20% to 40% increase in the frequency and length of these shutoffs, citing factors like below-average rainfall and prolonged periods of high winds.
Southern California Edison (SCE) is currently navigating a period of unprecedented operational challenges, characterized by a record-breaking increase in customer outages intended to mitigate wildfire risks. Despite multi-billion dollar investments in grid infrastructure, the utility has faced intensified scrutiny from regulators and mounting frustration from residents over the frequency, duration, and communication of these shutoffs. Record Increases in Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)
In early 2026, the CPUC fined SCE $7.8 million for failing to meet notification requirements during January shutoffs in Riverside County, which impacted local schools.
While SCE has spent billions on grid hardening, the utility maintains that extreme weather conditions necessitate de-energizing circuits to ensure community safety. Regulatory Scrutiny and Financial Penalties
Significant storms in late 2025 and early 2026 led to widespread outages in Palm Springs, where repair efforts were delayed because power poles in backyards were inaccessible to service trucks. Critical Resources for Customers
To prevent its electrical equipment from sparking wildfires during high-wind events, SCE significantly ramped up its Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) program in late 2025.
Investigations continue into the handling of December 2025 shutoffs, with regulators monitoring SCE's progress in reducing the impact of planned outages. Recent Outage Events (Spring 2026)
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has increased its oversight of SCE’s outage management.