Billion dollar energy company under investigation over possible link to devastating LA wildfires

A billion dollar energy company is currently under investigation over possible link to one of the LA wildfires.

Southern California Edison, a subsidiary of energy giant Edison International, has admitted that its grid experienced a short circuit issue on Tuesday (7 January) evening.

This coincided with when the Hurst Fire broke out. Yet it remains unclear if the incident happened before or after the fire started.

The Hurst Fire has, so far, burned through 800 acres of land, with the company revealing that the conductor was found at the Eagle Rock Sylmar 220 kV circuit.

"On 10 January 10, Southern California Edison (SCE) filed an Electric Safety Incident Report (ESIR) related to the Hurst Fire once SCE learned fire agencies are investigating whether SCE equipment was involved in the ignition, which is a triggering event for reporting." Edison International said in a press release.

The death toll from the Los Angeles wildfires has risen to 24 (DAVID SWANSON/AFP via Getty Images)

"SCE noted that the fire was reported at approximately 10:10pm on 7 January, and preliminary information reflects the Eagle Rock - Sylmar 220 kV circuit experienced a relay at 10:11pm.

"A downed powerline was discovered at a tower associated with the Eagle Rock - Sylmar 220 kV circuit.

"SCE does not know whether the damage observed occurred before or after the start of the fire."

In regard to the Eaton fire, Edison said SCE conducted analysis of the equipment in the area and found 'no interruptions or operational/electrical anomalies in the 12 hours prior to the fire’s reported start time until more than one hour after the reported start time of the fire'.

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Having taken a dip in the stock market, the company has announced that they will be providing a financial contribution of $1 million (£820,000) 'to community-based organisations to support relief efforts and assist those affected by the wildfires'.

“We are proud to support nonprofits that provide critical services to our customers and employees, and we are grateful for the contributions from other Southern California companies who have stepped up to support our communities during this difficult time,” said Pedro J. Pizarro, president and CEO of Edison International.

Thousands of residents are left without a home (JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)

“Their collective efforts demonstrate the strength and resilience of our region, and we are honored to stand alongside them in providing aid and support to those in need.”

Since 7 January, the SCE said they have restored power of more than 500,000 customers, while 62,662 customers are still without power as of 5:30 am on 12 January.

"Severe equipment damage and access restrictions in areas impacted by wildfire may lead to restoration times taking longer than usual, from several days to, in some instances, weeks." they added.

"Thousands of SCE employees and contractors are working alongside mutual assistance crews 24/7 to restore power."

“We greatly appreciate the dedicated efforts of SCE’s employees and the mutual assistance colleagues who are working around the clock to support our communities during this challenging time,” said Steven D. Powell, president and CEO of SCE.

“Their unwavering commitment and hard work are truly commendable.”

The death toll from the LA wildfires, which is expected to go up, has so far risen to 24, with the Los Angeles County coroner’s office noting that eight of the deaths were attributed to the Palisades fire and 16 resulted from the Eaton fire.

LADbible Group has contacted Edison International for further comment.