California utility will pay $80M to settle claims its equipment sparked devastating 2017 wildfire

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: Washington Post/AP

February 26, 2024 at 6:13 p.m. EST


LOS ANGELES — Southern California Edison will pay $80 million to settle claims on behalf of the U.S. Forest Service connected to a massive wildfire that destroyed more than a thousand homes and other structures in 2017, federal prosecutors said Monday.

The utility agreed to the settlement on Friday without admitting wrongdoing or fault in connection with the Thomas fire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a statement.

Investigations found utility equipment sparked the fire in two canyon locations on Dec. 4, 2017. The Thomas fire, which burned across 439 square miles (1,137 square kilometers) in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, is the seventh largest blaze in California history, according to state fire officials.

The settlement is a “reasonable resolution,” said Gabriela Ornelas, a spokesperson for Southern California Edison. “We continue to protect our communities from the risk of wildfire with grid hardening, situational awareness and enhanced operational practices,” Ornelas said Monday.

Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/02/26/thomas-fire-southern-california-edison-settlement/279053dc-d4f3-11ee-82ad-c2391b06a8f5_story.html

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(no paywall article)

Link to DOJ PRESS RELEASE - Southern California Edison Agrees to Pay United States $80 Million to Resolve Lawsuit Stemming from 2017 Thomas Fire

[Nictuku]

1. They pass it on to the consumers

I have PG&E, and it is a similar situation. They have 13 rate-hikes lined up for our near to far future. It is outrageous. Me and my 82 year old mom cut back during the 4-9pm (where they gouge you), and my HVAC died, so we aren't even using that. We do have a fireplace (and wood this year!) for when it gets into the 30's. Also have these energy saving ceramic tiles that keep my room at 62. That is too cold for mom, so I got her an electric blanket.

Even so ... with all our cutbacks and conservation efforts, I had a $460 bill last month. I think this is outrageous. They got us by the balls. My Dream is to get Solar, but that is a sizeable investment if you want to do it right (New roof first, batteries, etc)

[Woodwizard]

3. The Swindled podcast did an episode on PG&E

Amazing how they just let stuff go.

Great podcast exposing corporate greed and crimes in every episode.

https://swindledpodcast.com/episodes/

[TeamProg]

2. 80 million is nothing. Why aren't the shareholders paying?!!

[mpcamb]

4. The Thomas fire disaster caused more than $2 billion in damages across the Central Coast.

according to the Pacific Coast Business Times.
The Thomas Fire burned more than 280,000 acres — approximately 440 square miles — including over 150,000 acres of National Forest System lands in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
$80MM???
That's a pittance of the costs!