Southern California Edison Advances Power Line Undergrounding in Laguna Beach

Southern California Edison (SCE) has initiated a significant project to bury 11 miles of electrical power lines in Laguna Beach, specifically targeting areas designated as high fire risk. City officials anticipate this undergrounding effort will mitigate fire hazards, with work expected to commence next year. The undertaking is part of SCE's broader Targeted Undergrounding (TUG) program, funded through the utility's general rate case and approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).

During a Sept. 22 meeting, Councilmember Bob Whalen acknowledged the scale of the investment, estimating the cost for the city to undertake such work alone would be between $40 million and $50 million. He stated that the city would not be able to undertake "this level of work that Edison is doing on our own" due to its prohibitive cost and comprehensive nature. SCE Senior Advisor Ray Ravith Pok noted that the majority of Laguna Beach falls within a high fire risk zone, and the TUG program specifically targets areas identified by Cal Fire and the CPUC. Mr. Pok confirmed these are the designated areas for undergrounding efforts.

The 11-mile initiative comprises five distinct projects, three of which are located along the Pacific Coast Highway. The Agate Circuit Project, spanning approximately 1.5 miles, is situated near the Pacific Coast Highway, encompassing residential and wildlife areas. According to an SCE presentation at the Sept. 22 meeting, this project is currently in the permitting process. The Artist Circuit Project, covering about 1.3 miles along the Pacific Coast Highway, is presently in design and the permitting process. Another project along the Pacific Coast Highway, the Kewamee Circuit Project, will install approximately 1.6 miles of underground infrastructure near residential and wildlife zones, and is also in design and the permitting process.

Further inland, the Rubin Circuit Project will extend about 3.43 miles towards Aliso Viejo, affecting residential and wildlife areas. This project is currently in-design. The final component, the Acres Circuit Project, is planned for the vicinity of Top of the World and Canyon Acres, covering about 2.85 miles in residential and wildlife sectors. SCE Targeted Undergrounding Program Manager Jeana Hurst indicated that the Acres project has presented challenges for SCE due to potential impacts on residents at Top of the World, and the utility is seeking to minimize these effects.

A key distinction of these projects is that they will only address SCE's overhead electric lines. Communication utilities, including telephone, cable, and internet lines, will remain above ground. Mayor Mark Orgill inquired if communication companies could collaborate with SCE on the undergrounding efforts. Mr. Pok clarified that these companies typically lack dedicated funding for wildfire mitigation, noting that the Targeted Undergrounding program budgets approximately $4 million per mile of undergrounding for electric lines. Mr. Pok explained that a "Rule 20 district or assessment" would be necessary to mandate participation from communication companies, requiring all electric and communication lines to be buried within a defined area.

However, Acting Public Works Director Tom Perez cautioned against pursuing such districts for these specific projects. He highlighted that creating Rule 20 districts would consume too much time, as the five SCE projects are slated for completion by the end of 2028. Mr. Perez also indicated a risk that the city might lose cost-saving opportunities by not completing the five projects in a single trench if separate districts were to be established. City Manager Dave Kiff suggested the city could examine the scope of communication lines within the project areas to identify potential opportunities for future coordination.

The construction methodology for these projects will involve excavation, trenching, and asphalt restoration, as detailed in the SCE presentation. It will also necessitate the installation of vaults, manholes, or conduits. There is also a potential for power outages to occur during the construction phases.

Laguna Beach Capital Program Manager Pierre Sawaya provided context on existing infrastructure. He noted that approximately 60% of the city currently has underground power lines. Mr. Sawaya also identified five large districts within the city that still retain overhead wires: North Laguna, South of Downtown, South Laguna, Upper Bluebird, and Top of the World. Separately, Mr. Sawaya mentioned three other undergrounding projects underway in the city: Woods Cove, which has completed civil underground construction with poles and wires expected to be removed by year-end; West Street, which is largely finished with construction; and Fairview/La Brea, which is still undergoing construction.

SCE Government Relations Manager Kelly Lee emphasized the regional significance of the initiative, stating it is SCE’s largest targeted undergrounding project within Orange County. Ms. Lee highlighted that the investment aims to mitigate wildfire and ensure a resilient and reliable grid. Councilmember Sue Kempf expressed hope that these undergrounding efforts might eventually positively impact fire insurance rates for residents, many of whom face challenges with insurance due to high fire risk classifications. SCE has informed residents of potential impacts through mailed notices and will send additional notifications as projects approach groundbreaking. The utility also plans to host an information booth at the Laguna Beach classic car show on October 4 to engage with the community regarding the projects.