Petition for Reliable Power and Fair Practices by SoCal Edison

To: California Public Utilities Commission, Governor of California, California State Legislature, and Southern California Edison (SoCal Edison)

Subject: Urgent Need for Improved Reliability, Transparency, and Alternatives to Frequent Power Shutoffs

We, the undersigned residents of California, urgently request that the state take action to address the persistent, disruptive power outages caused by SoCal Edison under the guise of maintenance and Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). These outages, often lasting for extended periods, disrupt daily life, endanger the health and safety of vulnerable populations, and cause significant economic hardship. We believe these frequent interruptions in power service are both excessive and preventable through infrastructure improvements and alternative power solutions.

Our Requests:

 1. Investment in Infrastructure

We call upon SoCal Edison to prioritize investments in grid hardening, underground power lines in high-risk areas, and improved vegetation management to reduce the frequency and necessity of PSPS events. While public safety is paramount, it is equally vital that the utility invests in resilient infrastructure to avoid the frequent use of shutoffs.

 2. Revised PSPS Criteria and Procedures

We urge state regulators and SoCal Edison to revise the criteria for PSPS events. Power shutoffs should be an absolute last resort and limited only to instances of imminent, unavoidable wildfire risk. The current criteria for PSPS appear overly broad and lead to disruptions that may not be justified by the level of risk.

 3. Alternative Power Solutions for Vulnerable Areas

We request that SoCal Edison work with state and local governments to develop microgrid systems, backup power solutions, and other alternatives in areas frequently affected by power shutoffs. This will ensure that critical services and vulnerable communities are not left in the dark.

 4. Equity in PSPS Execution

PSPS shutoffs frequently affect certain areas while sparing nearby neighborhoods, leading to inequity in who bears the burden of these disruptions. We urge that SoCal Edison be required to assess and distribute the impact more equitably among communities, ensuring no area is disproportionately affected.

 5. Transparency and Accountability

SoCal Edison must be required to communicate clearly with affected residents, providing detailed information on both planned maintenance and PSPS decisions. Too often, Edison provides arbitrary timelines for power restoration even after conditions have improved, leaving customers without answers or updates. Further, Edison’s failure to answer customer calls in these critical times shows a lack of commitment to transparency.

 6. Relief from Financial Hardship and Health Risks

Power shutoffs have far-reaching impacts on families and individuals. Spoiled food due to extended outages leads to avoidable financial hardship. For those relying on generators, the cost of fuel is an added expense. In extreme weather months, lack of power creates unsafe living conditions, with both hot and cold weather posing serious health risks. This situation is especially hard on families with children, remote workers, and those dependent on medical devices or equipment for their well-being.

The cost of maintaining basic living standards during these frequent outages is like a hidden “tax” on residents of affected areas. We are forced to cover expenses related to power loss, such as fuel, batteries, food replacement, and other essentials, simply due to where we live. This financial burden is unfair and unsustainable.

7. Reconsideration of Maintenance Outages

While maintenance outages are intended to improve safety and reliability, power cuts still frequently occur, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of these maintenance efforts. Further, it has come to our attention that SoCal Edison often schedules these outages during the day, rather than overnight, to avoid paying third-party maintenance workers overtime rates. This prioritization of cost over convenience results in greater disruption for residents and communities, who are left without power during peak hours when they need it most. Californians deserve transparency and assurance that these outages are being handled with minimal disruption and maximum efficiency, rather than solely with the utility’s costs in mind.

 8. Questionable Motivation Behind Outages

While presented as measures for public safety, SoCal Edison’s power shutoffs appear primarily motivated by liability management, not genuine altruism. In the wake of lawsuits and settlements—such as the $550 million settlement related to wildfire liabilities in 2017 and 2018—there is growing concern that these shutoffs are more about avoiding litigation than protecting residents  . We believe this prioritization is unjust and contrary to the interests of Californians who rely on a dependable power supply.

Why This Matters:

Power outages disrupt our lives in countless ways, from loss of refrigeration and essential medical devices to canceled workdays and school closures. For vulnerable residents—including children, the elderly, and individuals with health conditions—these outages are especially hazardous. Californians deserve a power system that is both safe and reliable, and we believe it is within the state’s power to make this happen.

By signing this petition, we join together in demanding that the California Public Utilities Commission, state lawmakers, and SoCal Edison take these actions to protect our safety, well-being, and right to a stable power supply.