SCE’s Wildfire Compensation Program Sees Surge in Claims, $950M in Offers Extended — Edison International

Event summary

SCE’s Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program saw 100+ community members attend a Pasadena meeting, reflecting sustained interest.
August 2026 marked the highest claim submissions, with nearly 4,800 claims submitted as of September 17, 2026.
Over $950M in offers extended to 6,700+ claimants, with $500M already paid to 3,600 claimants.
Deadline for claims is November 30, 2026, with program offering faster payouts than litigation (average offer in 36 days).
Top concerns included litigation comparisons, compensation calculations, claim timing, eligibility, and rebuilding support.

The big picture

SCE’s program reflects a broader utility industry trend toward proactive wildfire recovery solutions, balancing financial obligations with regulatory and community expectations. The $950M in offers extended underscores the scale of liabilities tied to past wildfire events, while the program’s design aims to mitigate prolonged legal battles. The strategic tension lies in managing payout efficiency against potential future claims, particularly as climate-related risks escalate.

What we're watching

Claim Submission Pace: Whether the surge in August claims will continue through the November 30 deadline, impacting final payout totals.
Litigation Risk: How effectively SCE’s streamlined program reduces litigation exposure compared to traditional resolution methods.
Community Trust: The role of in-person support and multilingual assistance in maintaining claimant participation and satisfaction.