Senator Pérez: Ratepayers Shouldn’t Foot the Bill for Edison’s Negligence

SCE crews in Altadena, Jan. 20 (File Photo – ColoradoBlvd.net/W.K.)

In response to a federal lawsuit filed against Southern California Edison over its potential role in the deadly Eaton Fire, State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena) issued a statement demanding accountability and renewed focus on wildfire prevention.

By News Desk

“We must hold SoCal Edison accountable for any role it played in causing the Eaton Fire,” Senator Pérez said. “Today’s federal lawsuit will only be meaningful if it brings justice to fire victims and helps prevent future wildfire tragedies.”

The Eaton Fire, which caused widespread destruction and loss, remains under investigation. However, Pérez cited public statements from Edison executives suggesting the fire may have been sparked by power lines left inactive for more than five decades.

In response, Pérez introduced Senate Bill 256, which would have required utilities to remove unused power lines. The bill, however, stalled in the Assembly Appropriations Committee, a setback Pérez attributed to the influence of special interests.

“Special interests continue to wield too much power and there has not been nearly enough accountability,” she said. “It’s past time to implement common sense measures like SB 256 to make California safer and prevent these avoidable tragedies.”

Pérez also stressed that the financial burden of the fire should not fall on California ratepayers if Edison is found liable.

“If the results of the ongoing investigation show Edison at fault, California ratepayers should not be expected to pay for the harm caused by the company’s negligence,” she stated.

Above all, Pérez emphasized the importance of centering those most affected: “Our priority must be to ensure that fire victims are made whole, with federal agencies addressing their recoveries afterwards. Eaton Fire victims have been through so much.”