SCE is undergrounding power lines to help reduce the risk of wildfires and increase reliability during extreme weather conditions. We have identified certain high fire risk areas where it is prudent to move power lines underground for public safety reasons if not already hardened with covered conductor and feasible to do so. Our goal is safety and not necessarily aesthetics. SCE may choose to underground power lines in areas that meet certain criteria, including limited exit and entry points to communities, extreme potential consequences and other factors. If you'd like to know if your community has planned undergrounding for wildfire mitigation purposes, please refer to our grid hardening map. Governmental agencies (e.g. city, county), developers or individual customers interested in initiating an undergrounding project not related to wildfire mitigation, please refer to Rule 20 projects.

When an undergrounding project may be taking place in your neighborhood, the scope of work depends on the specific portions of the circuit lines being targeted for undergrounding that may or may not feed your home, neighborhood or business. The project team carefully evaluates the power lines that meeting the targeted undergrounding criteria, including limited exit and entry points to communities, extreme potential consequences and other factors.

While SCE is removing electrical overhead lines and equipment and putting them underground in targeted areas, poles that have lines and assets owned by other companies (e.g. telecommunications, cable, tec.) may remain above ground. SCE will communicate the scope of work with telecommunications companies to allow them the opportunity to underground their lines at the same time.

SCE is pursuing undergrounding to help reduce the risk of wildfires and increase reliability during extreme weather conditions. We have identified certain high fire risk areas where it is prudent, and feasible, to move power lines underground for public safety reasons if they are not already hardened with covered conductor and feasible. SCE may choose to underground power lines in areas that meet specific criteria, including limited exit and entry points to communities, extreme potential consequences and other factors. Learn more about undergrounding as a wildfire mitigation measure with this fact sheet.

Safety is SCE's number one priority. SCE's grid hardening work keeps safety top of mind and uses a comprehensive strategy that builds on continuous efforts to address immediate and long-term wildfire risks in response to changing community needs and extreme weather events. We continue to harden the grid and invest in resiliency measures including installing covered conductor, integrating advanced technologies to reduce the risk of wildfires by utility equipment.