For communities impacted by the Eaton Fire, recovery is happening piece by piece.
Families are rebuilding homes, businesses are reopening their doors and neighborhoods are finding their way forward.
As residents try to regain a sense of normalcy, Southern California Edison is committed to supporting that effort by building a safer, more resilient electric system.
Crews have been working to underground 63 miles of power lines in Altadena neighborhoods to create a more reliable source of power. Brad Pensak, SCE senior manager of Targeted Undergrounding and Wildfire Rebuild, has been leading that effort.
As Altadena rebuilds after the Eaton Fire, SCE is strengthening the electric system through undergrounding and supporting recovery through the Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program.
Undergrounding Q&A with Pensak:
Q: How has the work evolved from immediately after the fire to where things stand today?
Pensak: When we began, we focused on rebuilding overhead lines using coated wire, known as covered conductor. Since then, we’ve moved into the 63 miles of undergrounding we’ve committed to.
Q: What’s your hope for the community in the months and years ahead?
Pensak: My hope is that we continue to be a partner in the community’s recovery. We’re helping a community put the pieces back together, and seeing that firsthand — through site visits, community engagement and daily interactions — really reinforces why we’re doing this work.
Q: What would you want the community to know about the work happening right now?
Pensak: We’re putting in a lot of effort because we want to see the community rebuild — homes going back up, people moving back in and families continuing their lives. That’s what drives the work we do every day.
While crews are getting the system ready to serve repaired and rebuilt homes, SCE’s Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program can help relieve financial pressure as those directly impacted by the Eaton Fire rebuild and recover. Christian Garcia, SCE principal manager of Customer Operations, and his team are in charge of helping guide community members through the application process and answering any questions they may have.
Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program Q&A with Garcia:
Q: What is the goal of the Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program?
Garcia: The program is designed to help people receive fair offers and fast compensation, without spending years in litigation, so families and businesses can begin their recovery sooner.
Q: What would you say to customers who are hesitant to submit a claim?
Garcia: I’d encourage them to try it. There’s no obligation to accept an offer, so there’s really no risk in getting started.
Q: What kind of support is available for customers going through the process?
Garcia: We’re here for customers every step of the way. We’ve set up support systems to help people navigate the process, including assistance in multiple languages and in person, so no one has to go through it alone.
In the program’s first six months, relief offered to community members through the program exceeded $500 million. More than 68% of offers have been accepted, with more pending.
Filing a claim does not waive a claimant’s rights. Receiving an offer does not waive rights either. The program is voluntary and available through Nov. 30, 2026.
For more information on SCE’s Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program, visit sce.com/directclaims.
Communications for this program are funded by ratepayers to support impacted customers.
