SCE Sues LA County, SoCalGas Over Eaton Fire Liability

SCE Files Lawsuit Over Eaton Fire

Southern California Edison (SCE) has sued Los Angeles County and Southern California Gas, alleging they share responsibility for the severity of the 2025 Eaton fire. The fire caused 19 deaths and destroyed over 9,400 structures.

Allegations and Context

In court filings, SCE claims the county failed to issue timely evacuation alerts and properly manage fire suppression. The utility also alleges that deficiencies in SoCalGas's natural gas system, leading to leaks and explosions, contributed to the fire's spread. This legal action comes as SCE itself faces nearly 1,000 lawsuits from victims of the blaze.

Market and Financial Impact

This move by SCE, a subsidiary of Edison International, aims to mitigate its financial liability from the disaster. The lawsuits could affect the stock performance of both Edison International and Sempra, SoCalGas's parent company, as legal responsibility and costs are debated.

Summary

The outcome of these legal battles will be significant for utility companies and public agencies, potentially setting a new precedent for liability in climate-related disasters.

FAQ

Q: Who is Southern California Edison suing?
A: SCE is suing Los Angeles County, various water agencies, and Southern California Gas.

Q: What is the basis of SCE's lawsuit?
A: SCE claims these entities contributed to the fire's severity through failures in emergency response, resource management, and infrastructure safety.

Source: Investing.com