Southern California Edison to Hold Workshops for Community Input on Wildfire Recovery

Southern California Edison has announced the introduction of a Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program for the community affected by the Eaton Fire. This program aims to provide prompt and direct payments to eligible individuals and businesses impacted by the fire. To ensure that the program meets the needs of the community, SCE is organizing a series of community input workshops to gather feedback before officially launching the program this fall.

The program’s design involved consulting with renowned experts in compensation fund design and administration, Kenneth R. Feinberg and Camille S. Biros. Feinberg and Biros have previously worked on successful claims programs following various disasters in the past. They emphasized the program’s efficiency and the importance of swift claims processing in the aftermath of a disaster like the Eaton Fire.

Pedro J. Pizarro, president and CEO of Edison International, expressed the company’s commitment to supporting the community’s recovery through this program. The goal is to make the rebuilding process faster and stronger by providing necessary support and resources. The proposed draft of the wildfire fund is intended to offer an efficient and transparent resolution to claims resulting from the Eaton Fire, providing an alternative to lengthy litigation processes.

The community workshops, both in-person and virtual, will allow participants to ask questions and provide feedback on the draft program details. The workshops are scheduled for September and are open to all interested parties who wish to have a say in shaping the final program. SCE acknowledges the importance of community input in shaping their efforts to best support those impacted by the fire.

The Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program offers two options for claimants to submit their claims and receive compensation: the Fast Pay option, providing offers within 90 days, and a more detailed review option with offers within nine months. To determine property valuations for the Fast Pay option, SCE has engaged the services of wildfire economists to assess pre- and post-fire property values. These assessments are being independently reviewed to ensure accuracy and fairness in the compensation process.

Eligible individuals and businesses affected by the Eaton Fire will be able to submit claims for economic losses, including property damage, business disruption, and personal losses. The program also includes provisions for noneconomic losses such as emotional distress. Insurance companies and public entities are excluded from participating in the program. In addition to economic and noneconomic compensation, claimants will receive a Direct Claim Premium specific to the Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program.

The principles guiding the program emphasize its voluntary nature, fair and prompt compensation, and streamlined application process. Claimants are not obligated to accept the compensation offer and are encouraged to review and consider the terms carefully before making a decision. Payments are processed promptly, with claimants under the Fast Pay option receiving an offer within 90 days and payment within 30 days of accepting the offer. These principles aim to provide a transparent and efficient process for claimants to receive the support they need to recover from the devastating effects of the Eaton Fire.