Learn about the different types of outages, which can happen due to repair (following severe weather or unexpected events like accidents), rotating (mandated by CAISO to ease demand during high usage periods), or maintenance (planned to allow crews to perform essential upgrades like replacing aging poles and cables). Also, during dangerous fire weather conditions, which include strong winds, dry vegetation and low humidity, SCE may shut off power to reduce the risk of wildfires by utility equipment. These Public Safety Power Shutoffs continue to be an important tool during extreme weather conditions.

How We Restore Power

SCE teams are trained to get your lights back on as quickly and safely as possible through a three-phase power-restoration process.

Since restoration times vary depending on the level of damage, when a power outage occurs we ask you to make safety your top concern until our crews can locate and repair damage. Remember: Never go near a downed power line.

 

Three Phases of Power Restoration

Phase 1: Assess and Protect

We send highly trained workers into the field to locate and monitor safety hazards, including downed wires and poles. Our crews then make sure electricity is off for your safety. They also ensure that power is flowing to critical facilities like hospitals, fire stations, and other essential services.

 

Phase 2: Repair Damage

Once damage is assessed and safety measures enacted, we dispatch crews to begin repairing substations, main electric lines, and wires. Even if you do not see our crews, rest assured we’re working nearby to get your power restored. New, smart technology allows us to more accurately estimate when repairs will be finished.

 

Phase 3: Restore Power

After damage is repaired, we begin restoring power to homes and buildings. If you notice that a neighbor’s power is back before yours, don’t worry. Your home may be on a different circuit or line. We appreciate your patience as we work as quickly as possible to turn your lights back on.
 

 

Reliability Reports

SCE submits an annual Electric System Reliability Report to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).