Wildfire Recovery

SCE extends more than $1 billion in compensation offers for Eaton fire

Marking a milestone in the continued support of the greater Altadena community and its recovery from the Eaton Fire, Southern California Edison reports that it has offered more than $1 billion in compensation through its Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program, according to an October 1 press release from the California utility.

The voluntary program provides eligible community members with a fair, fast and certain alternative to litigation, offering a streamlined path to compensation that can be measured in weeks or months rather than years spent navigating legal proceedings and more extensive documentation requirements.

“Meaningful relief is reaching thousands of people as they move forward with their recovery,” said Pedro J. Pizarro, president and CEO of Edison International, SCE’s parent company. “The program is designed to provide a fair and fast path to compensation, and we remain committed to helping community members understand their options.”

More than 15,300 community members have already sought compensation directly from SCE through the program. For many participants, compensation through the program has helped provide financial stability and support rebuilding efforts as recovery continues.

“I didn’t think I qualified,” said Mary Bloebaum, a Pasadena homeowner whose property experienced smoke and ash damage from the Eaton Fire. “When I got my check, I was quite shocked. I’m very grateful because it has allowed me to get back to normalcy.”

“When I got the letter of compensation, I look at it, I turn around, I look at it again, and I think, ‘This is real, I’ll go ahead and agree.’ It is enough to help me with the rebuild, appliances, furniture — anything that I may end up needing,” said Wylda Cottrell, an Altadena resident of more than 30 years who lost her home in the wildfire and is now rebuilding.

“This settlement has allowed me to be at the home that is to be my forever home,” said Mary Jo Peterson, a longtime Altadena resident whose apartment was destroyed in the Eaton Fire.

Less than two months remain to submit a claim. Claims received by Nov. 30, 2026, will be reviewed and processed through completion, even if validation and offer generation continue beyond the submission deadline, provided claimants remain responsive to requests for information and communications related to their claim. Eligible community members who do not submit a claim by Nov. 30, 2026, will no longer have the opportunity to learn what compensation may be available to them through the streamlined program.

Nearly 7,200 claimants have received compensation offers, totaling more than $1 billion. Nearly 80% of offers have been accepted, with more pending. Only about 2% of offers have been declined.