Southern California Edison Announces Community Input Workshops on Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program for Eaton Fire
Sessions offered to gather feedback from impacted community members and stakeholders on details of the program, launching this fall.
SCE consulted with
"The resilience of community members continues to inspire us, yet it’s difficult to witness the challenges they face,” said
“This proposed draft wildfire fund provides an efficient, cost-effective and certain resolution of claims arising out of the Eaton Fire,” said Feinberg. “Speed in processing claims is essential.”
“The proposed fund is designed as an alternative to conventional litigation in the courtroom,” added Biros. “The terms and conditions are completely transparent and voluntary. No claimants or their lawyers are required to participate until and unless they are satisfied with the compensation offer.”
Two in-person and two virtual sessions have been scheduled through September. During these workshops, participants will have a fair opportunity to ask questions and comment on the draft program details. Registration information is available at sce.com/directclaimsupdates for these scheduled sessions:
-
Thursday, Sept. 25 ,7:00 p.m. (virtual) -
Friday, Sept. 26 ,9:00 a.m. (virtual) -
Saturday, Sept. 27 ,10:00 a.m. ,Loma Alta Park Gymnasium (3330 Lincoln Ave. ,Altadena ) -
Monday, Sept. 29 ,7:00 p.m. ,Loma Alta Park Gymnasium (3330 Lincoln Ave. ,Altadena )
Following the September community input workshops, SCE will finalize details and launch the full program later this fall. “I am grateful for the ongoing engagement with community members,” added Pizarro. “Their input remains key in shaping Edison’s efforts to best support our community.”
About the Program
The draft details of the Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program are outlined in the Protocol, including two options for claimants to submit a claim and receive an offer: a Fast Pay option (offers within 90 days) and a second option for a more detailed review (offers within nine months).
To determine valuations for property losses in the Fast Pay option, SCE engaged experienced wildfire economists at
Eligible individuals, property owners, tenants and businesses impacted by the Eaton Fire will be able to submit damage claims for economic losses, including but not limited to property damage, personal property loss, business disruption, physical injury or death. Damages for noneconomic loss, such as emotional distress, will also be included in most calculations. Insurance companies and public entities are not eligible to participate in the program. Claim documentation requirements will include, among others, proof of residency, tenancy, ownership, insurance information or hospitalization records, depending upon the nature of the claim.
In addition, SCE will add a Direct Claim Premium to each claimant’s offer. This premium is only available through the Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program. For example, resident homeowners who lost their homes in the Eaton Fire will receive an additional
Guiding Principles
The Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program is guided by the following principles:
- Voluntary and Optional. There are no fees or added costs. No individual claimant is required to accept the amount offered. Only when an offer is accepted does a claimant sign a settlement agreement, which includes the promise not to litigate further.
- Fair and Prompt Compensation. Through a Fast Pay option, claimants will receive a settlement offer within 90 days of a complete submission. Payments will be made within approximately 30 days of SCE receiving a settlement agreement signed and notarized by all required signatories.
- Streamlined Application and Evaluation. Those impacted will be able to submit claims and supporting documentation at a secure, dedicated website. SCE will strive to make compensation offers in an expedited manner that avoids the delay, expense and uncertainty of litigation.
- Legal Representation Optional. The streamlined application and documentation requirements allow for participation without legal counsel. If claimants choose to be represented by counsel, their attorney must submit the claim on their behalf and facilitate all program communications. SCE will add 10% to the net damages portion of an offer (not including the Direct Claims Premium) to help address legal costs if a claimant is represented by counsel at the time they submit a claim.
More information can be found on the Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program webpage.
About
An
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250917297694/en/
Media Relations: (626) 302-2255
News@sce.com
Investor Relations:
Feinberg/Biros:
amy@weisspublicaffairs.com
Source: