SCE cut power to approximately 534,000 customers in 2025, nearly four times the 137,000 customers impacted in 2024.
Utility executives have warned of a further 20% to 40% increase in the frequency and length of these shutoffs, citing factors like below-average rainfall and prolonged periods of high winds. socal-edison-power-outage-report
To prevent its electrical equipment from sparking wildfires during high-wind events, SCE significantly ramped up its Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) program in late 2025. SCE cut power to approximately 534,000 customers in
Southern California Edison Power Outage Analysis (2025–2026) March 2026 saw extreme heat warnings that triggered
Southern California Edison (SCE) is currently navigating a period of unprecedented operational challenges, characterized by a record-breaking increase in customer outages intended to mitigate wildfire risks. Despite multi-billion dollar investments in grid infrastructure, the utility has faced intensified scrutiny from regulators and mounting frustration from residents over the frequency, duration, and communication of these shutoffs. Record Increases in Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)
In early 2026, the CPUC fined SCE $7.8 million for failing to meet notification requirements during January shutoffs in Riverside County, which impacted local schools.
March 2026 saw extreme heat warnings that triggered outages in El Segundo, Palm Springs, and Beverly Hills as circuits became overloaded by air conditioning demand.