South
Southern California Edison's equipment may have started major wildfire: CEO
Southern California Edison, an electric company providing power to some 15 million Californians, said its equipment may have started the Hurst Fire and is looking into a possible connection to the Eaton Fire, as well. The Eaton and Hurst fires burned approximately 124,000 and 800 acres, respectively, in Los Angeles County last month.
SCE submitted two letters to the California Public Utilities Commission on Thursday stating that while the official origins of both fires are still under investigation, preliminary information suggests a possible link to SCE’s equipment, Edison International said in a Thursday press release.
“While we do not yet know what caused the Eaton wildfire, SCE is exploring every possibility in its investigation, including the possibility that SCE’s equipment was involved,” Pedro J. Pizarro, president and CEO Edison International, said in a Thursday statement. “We have been fully engaged since the start of the fires in supporting the broader emergency response, containment, recovery and investigation efforts.”
The Los Angeles Police Department is the lead agency assigned to investigate the causes of both fires and determined the origins of the Hurst Fire to be linked to SCE’s equipment.
ESSENTIAL PHONE NUMBERS FOR LOS ANGELES-AREA RESIDENTS AND HOW YOU CAN HELP THEM
In an aerial view, residential areas destroyed by the Eaton Fire are seen on Jan. 19, 2025 in Altadena, California. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Edison International is working to obtain grid data, maintenance records, photos and videos to determine how a fire may have ignited from its equipment, according to the press release.
Residents have so far filed 40 lawsuits against SCE in the aftermath of the fires, according to The Los Angeles Times.
NEWLY RELEASED BODYCAM VIDEO SHOWS PASADENA PD RESPONSE TO EATON FIRE:
“Southern California Edison finally admitted what fire attorneys like me have known for weeks: that they were the cause of the Hurst Fire,” Neama Rahmani, an attorney representing victims of the Eaton Fire, told Fox News Digital. “Now it’s time for Edison to accept responsibility for the Eaton Fire that caused thousands of Pasadena and Altadena homeowners and renters to lose their homes and caused tens of billions of dollars in damage. “
Rahmani noted that “Edison’s lawyers have sent a letter implying that a homeless encampment hundreds of yards from source of the Eaton fire may have been the cause.”
CALIFORNIA GOV. NEWSOM SHOULD TAKE ‘NO-BRAINER’ ACTION TO CRACK DOWN ON WILDFIRE LAWLESSNESS, DAS SAY
A woman reacts as she evacuates following powerful winds fueling devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area, at the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, U.S. Jan. 8, 2025. (David Swanson)
“You don’t have to be a fire expert to know that it was caused by Edison’s tower. We’ve all seen the pictures and videos of the sparks at top of the tower, causing the dry vegetation below to ignite,” he said. “Instead of doing the right thing, Edison has chosen to dig in their heels and litigate. We and our clients are ready for the fight.”
SCE spokesperson Kathleen Dunleavy told Fox News Digital that the company is investigating all possible sources of the fires in response to Rahmani’s comments.
“At SCE, we are exploring all possibilities, including the potential involvement of all SCE’s equipment,” the spokesperson said, “…and I mean that with a focus on the world all.”
A small car sits in rubble and ash from the Eaton fire. (Fox News Digital / Ashley Carnahan)
SCE “stated very clearly” that SCE “equipment may be associated with the ignition of the Hearst fire,” Dunleavy said, adding that the investigation is still in the early stages.
“It’s disheartening to see false narratives being spread because they only serve to confuse and mislead the public,” Dunleavy continued.
SCE anticipates the full investigation into the origins of the fire will take months to complete.
A firefighter battles flames at the Eaton Fire on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Altadena, CA. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)
“Edison International and SCE have been part of this community for almost 140 years,” Pizarro said. “As we work to rebuild, SCE’s ongoing investments in wildfire prevention and mitigation, including undergrounding and hardening the grid in high-risk areas will continue, and if necessary, be expanded.”
SCE crew members, contractors and mutual assistance personnel have installed 400,000 feet of power lines (approximately 75 miles); set 1,265 poles; and replaced 380 transformers since Jan. 31. SCE also opened 24 customer service locations during the windstorm, according to Edison International.
MALIBU MAN THANKS FIREFIGHTERS WHO SAVED HIS HOME FROM LA WILDFIRES: ‘WE KEPT THE FIRE FROM THAT DOOR’
A view of burnt houses during the Eaton Fire in Altadena in Los Angeles County, California, on Jan. 9, 2025. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu )
The wildfires have so far burned 57,636 acres, destroyed 16,255 structures and left 29 people dead. Tens of thousands have been displaced after their homes were destroyed.
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Global data analytics from Verisk estimates that insured losses will reach at least $28 billion — the costliest disaster in U.S. history.
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Delaware Leaders Confront Crushing Utility Costs
Gov. Meyer urges PSC to freeze rates as Delaware tackles Delmarva’s returns, solar delays, data centers and nuclear options.
Between energy costs spiking last year and higher Delmarva Power electricity rates kicking off earlier this month, utility affordability remains top of mind for consumers and lawmakers.
In a press conference June 15, Gov. Matt Meyer called on the Public Service Commission to “freeze rates immediately” ahead of an interim hike set for July, as well as implement penalties for delayed action on solar power. The Democrat also announced he will join a petition to stop the “gouging” on ratepayers with the company’s 10.5% return on equity, or money invested in power infrastructure.
Delmarva Power said in a statement that afternoon it shares these affordability concerns, but investments have already been made to “strengthen reliability.” The company said it remains focused on efforts to drive down its supply costs, which it argues have driven 90% of consumer bill increases since 2024.
Meyer’s calls also join several bills passed last year and this session – ranging from rate regulations to expanding eligibility for energy credits – with many already signed into law. Yet, residents remain frustrated and unlikely to feel any impact quickly.
Looking even farther ahead, lawmakers are also still considering future energy sources to help relieve heavy consumer burden.
So, what have Delaware leaders done so far – and what’s left to tackle?
What legislation has passed, with more still on the table
There are 14 pieces of legislation centered on energy and utilities now filed in the General Assembly in 2026 alone, according to state Sen. Stephanie Hansen.
Some highlights include:
- Senate Bill 239, which lifts the 8% cap on net energy metering
- Senate Bill 326, which looks to limit Delmarva’s infrastructure spending, enhance rate transparency and utility communication and caps how much utilities can claim with interim rates, to name a few provisions. This bill builds off previous legislation signed into law last year, which limits yearly capital costs retrievable by Delmarva, as previously reported by Delaware Online/The News Journal.
- House Bill 310, which would exempt data centers from corporate tax breaks or fee reductions granted to new businesses under the state’s Blue Collar Jobs Act, according to Hansen, a co-sponsor of the bill.
- House Bill 233, which mandates certain utilities to set “a separate rate class” for large energy users. Primary bill sponsor Rep. Frank Burns told attendees during a June 15 press conference this bill would take all the expenses created by large-scale data centers, “puts them in a bucket” and ensures those centers pay that price. Without it, the Pike Creek Democrat said, Delawareans would see an estimated 80% increase on their electric bills.
Six of those bills – including Senate Bill 210, Senate Bill 239, Senate Bill 276, Senate Bill 321, House Bill 269 and House Concurrent Resolution 94 – have cleared both chambers.
Two of these bills, Senate Bill 210 and House Bill 269, were signed by Meyer earlier this spring, offering solutions related to interconnections.
Senate Bill 210 – also known as the legislature’s “interconnection bill,” according to Hansen – states that so long as a point of interconnection is located within the Delmarva Power region and under their jurisdiction, it can be connected. This will make room for 10 community solar-related projects, a total of roughly 30 megawatts, to come online with enough to power approximately 30,000 homes, said the Middletown Democrat.
In turn, House Bill 269 clarifies interconnection rules for electric suppliers must match with the most recent procedures from the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.
On June 10, Meyer also signed Senate Bills 239 and 276 into law, removing the 8% cap and allowing electric cooperatives discretion to provide electricity to “large load” electric users.
Others, like House Bill 310, have managed to clear their chamber of origin, according to Hansen, while some have yet to appear before committee.
Lawmakers have also largely focused on cost and the potential impact of data centers.
These centers often require mass amounts of infrastructure to operate, such as coal and natural gas power plants, according to the Environmental and Energy Studies Institute. Additionally, because they have “an immense electricity demand,” they require new substations to function, which in turn can cost a lot of money to build, according to Russell Zerbo of the Clean Air Council.
As a result, lawmakers have not only focused on utility costs, but also how data centers could impact ratepayers and overall reliability, Hansen said.
Delaware has faced its own share of data center proposals. One proposal, called Project Washington, was set to occupy roughly 6 million square feet over two campuses in Delaware City, with approximately 11 buildings and several neighboring electrical fields.
The proposal faced a major setback, however, when the Coastal Zone Industrial Control Board upheld the state Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s decision to bar it this past spring.
What has been done in other states?
Faced with sky-high energy costs, Delaware’s neighbor states have sprung into action.
New Jersey has enacted several initiatives to address utility cost hikes. One of Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s first executive orders froze rate spikes and delivered ratepayer relief.
The second expanded programs to look into new power sources in-state, equating more power with lower costs.
Pennsylvania lawmakers introduced a legislative package with the goal of driving down energy costs on May 1. Efforts include data center regulations, updating the state’s electric grid and pushing for the development of “a virtual power plant,” as reported by the Pennsylvania Independent.
Fellow neighbor Maryland also enacted the Utility RELIEF Act, which aims to save residents at least $150 on energy bills on a yearly basis. The act also requires data centers to cover any expenses related to energy infrastructure adjustments, rather than let Maryland families take the fall.
Delaware similarly has two programs in place: the state Energy Fund and the Delmarva Customer Relief Fund.
The energy fund assists any eligible customers – not including Delmarva customers – if their income falls under 350% of the federal poverty level, or $55,860 for a one-person household.
In contrast, Delmarva’s relief fund provides upward of $500 via Energize Delaware and the United Way of Delaware. This is one of many relief funds and programs available designed to support lower-income consumers across the state.
Among the laws signed by Meyer last year included barring the use of consumer funds for non-utility-related purposes; mandating transparency regarding regional energy grid guidance participation; and ensuring consumers benefit from surplus energy credits.
However, because these bills were just signed into law last year, consumers most likely won’t see the results of some of these bills right away. It takes time to put these regulations in place, according to Dustyn Thompson of the Delaware chapter of the Sierra Club.
Hansen said in a statement that legislators understand supply and demand has been “crushing,” hence why the General Assembly has been acting to get these bills passed and onto Meyer’s desk as soon as possible.
“We’re trying to attack this from many different angles,” she continued during the June 15 press conference on the subject. These angles include direct assistance with paying bills – such as the energy fund – and a greater “systemic approach,” scaling back on how much money utilities ask to be recovered.
The same press conference saw Meyer announcing he will join a petition and call on the Public Service Commission to “freeze rates immediately,” as well as implement penalties for delayed action on solar power.
He also voiced support for several bills headed to his desk.
But the work is far from over.
What more can Delaware do?
While the priority has largely been on costs and data centers, legislators have also directed their attention to other available energy sources.
One effort has been the Delaware Nuclear Energy Feasibility Task Force. Established in 2025, this group is responsible for looking at the benefits, dependability and potential impact of using small modular reactors in the First State.
The task force is scheduled to present its final report by the end of July, detailing a direction for Delaware with this energy source, according to Hansen.
However, when it comes to this and other energy sources, a long road lies ahead.
Take offshore wind, for example. After much back-and-forth last session, lawmakers passed an effort that overturned the Sussex County Council’s rejection of a permit needed for US Wind to build a substation critical to plans to erect more than 100 wind turbines off the Delmarva coast, which went into effect earlier this year.
Despite this, President Donald Trump has remained firmly against wind turbines, even signing an executive order temporarily putting permits, approvals and energy lease sales for offshore wind projects on hold last year.
And while the Delmarva project is ready to go, it is still being held up at the federal level, according to Hansen.
“Rather than spending money to build something, we’re spending that to not build something,” Thompson said.
Even if the federal government supports the project, the Sierra Club leader estimates it will take somewhere between five and six years to get off the ground.
As for natural gas or nuclear energy – considered “the largest source of clean power” in the country, according to the U.S. Department of Energy – Hansen said that can take even longer.
Large natural gas turbines usually come with a four-to-eight year waiting period, according to the lawmaker.
“You can’t just buy them off the shelf,” she said.
Additionally, building a nuclear power plant is a multi-million-dollar undertaking, often with construction challenges and long lead times.
In neighbor state New Jersey, lawmakers also passed a bill that would expand nuclear power throughout the state. However, one expert estimates it could take between 10 and 20 years for that power to go online.
Hansen herself made a similar projection, saying it could take eight to 10 years to get up and running in Delaware, maybe more. So, she said it’s also crucial lawmakers look into energy that won’t require as much time to get online, specifically solar.
Hansen previously backed a bill that would have allowed the use of small, plug‑in solar power systems in the First State earlier this spring, a technology gaining traction as energy costs rise nationwide.
Because it is still a new technology in the United States, and doesn’t have set safety standards in place, the bill is now a resolution, Hansen said.
This resolution requests the Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility and the Natural Resources Department conduct a study on the safety and use of balcony and plug-in solar devices. These entities must share a report on the study by Jan. 26, 2027.
Looking ahead, Hansen said lawmakers need to do everything they can to bring “all-size solar” to the state, whether it be community, utility or rooftop. This will help bring down energy costs in the meantime as lawmakers wait for other energy projects to take off.
Because, as Hansen explained, time is of the essence.
“We need more generation,” she said. “And we need it now.”
(This story has been updated to change a video.)
Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. If you have a tip or a story idea, reach out to her at omontes@delawareonline.com.
🏆 Residential: The top home sale to hit records in South Florida was in Miami, where the 4,400-square-foot at 733 Belle Meade Boulevard changed hands for $9.2 million. The seller was an LLC tied to entrepreneur Andrew Sieja and his wife, philanthropist Jessica Sieja. The buyer was Joshua Keller. The waterfront property has five bedrooms and five and a half bathrooms. It last sold in 2021 for $8.3 million. It went on the market in January for $10 million. Miltiadis Kastanis with Compass had the listing, and Dan Hechtkopf, also with Compass, brought the buyer.
🏆 Commercial: The priciest commercial deal was in Hollywood, where the hotel known as the Rooftop Resort at 1215 North Ocean Drive sold for $6.9 million. Built in the 1970s, the property spans 16,500 square feet and has 34 rooms. The seller was an LLC tied to Pamela Riccio and the buyer was an LLC managed by Michael Delouya, Thierry Cohen and Daniel Benhamou. The Rotella Group had the listing.
📊 Residential: In Miami Beach, a 4,500-square-foot condo at 1011 West 48th Street sold for $8 million or roughly $1,800 per square foot. The seller was a company managed by Ansir Junaid, founder of the Junaid Group, which operates business across a range of industries from real estate to healthcare, and the buyer was an entity led by Robert Curran. The unit, which has four bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms, previously sold in 2023 for $8.3 million. Its most recent asking price was $9.5 million. One Sotheby’s International Realty’s Chelsea Werner had the listing, and Ximetta Mires with Global Luxury Realty represented the buyer.
By the Numbers: Number of underwater homes in the US reached 2M
The number of underwater homes in the U.S. is rapidly growing.
For the first time since 2021, the number of homes where loan balances sit at least 25 percent higher than a property’s estimated market value passed the 2 million mark. The figure represents a 15 percent year-over-year increase, according to a new report from real estate analytics firm Attom.
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