In a state known for its bold environmental policies and frequent climate challenges, SCE—Southern California Edison—plays a pivotal role in shaping California’s energy future. With more than 135 years of history and over 15 million customers, SCE isn’t just an electricity provider—it’s an engine of progress in a state moving rapidly toward carbon neutrality.
The Role of SCE in California’s Energy Ecosystem
As one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, SCE operates a massive transmission and distribution network, covering 50,000 square miles across central, coastal, and Southern California. But its mission extends far beyond infrastructure.
SCE is a key driver of:
- Grid decarbonization
- Climate-resilient infrastructure
- Electric vehicle expansion
- Energy equity and affordability
- Community safety and wildfire prevention
The utility’s commitment to sustainability and innovation puts it at the heart of California’s clean energy transition.
Building a Carbon-Free Grid
SCE’s “Pathway 2045” blueprint lays out a bold strategy to help the state reach net-zero carbon emissions by mid-century. Key pillars of that strategy include:
- Accelerating utility-scale renewable energy projects
- Expanding distributed energy resources (DERs) like rooftop solar and batteries
- Supporting the electrification of buildings and transportation
- Scaling up long-duration energy storage to ensure grid reliability
By 2030, SCE aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector by at least 40%, paving the way for a low-carbon economy.
Investing in a Smarter, Safer Grid
With climate extremes becoming more frequent, SCE has doubled down on grid modernization and wildfire mitigation.
Its multi-billion-dollar capital plan includes:
- Installing advanced sensors and automated switches
- Strengthening power lines in high fire-threat areas
- Replacing wooden poles with fire-resistant materials
- Leveraging AI and satellite data for vegetation and risk monitoring
- Deploying Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) only as a last resort
The result? A smarter, more agile grid designed to withstand the 21st-century climate reality.
Empowering Clean Transportation
SCE is a leader in electric vehicle (EV) adoption across the western U.S. Through its Charge Ready programs, the utility has helped deploy thousands of EV charging ports in workplaces, apartment complexes, and public spaces.
SCE forecasts that over 70% of vehicles in California will be electric by 2045. To meet this demand, it’s investing heavily in both fast-charging infrastructure and customer incentives.
Energy for All: Affordability and Access
While transforming the grid, SCE is also focused on equity and inclusion. Programs like:
- CARE and FERA (low-income bill discounts)
- Energy Savings Assistance Program (free upgrades for qualified households)
- Multilingual outreach for underserved communities
…ensure that every Californian can participate in the clean energy future, regardless of income or location.
Transparent, Digital, and Customer-Focused
SCE isn’t just building physical infrastructure—it’s also reimagining the customer experience. Its online platform and mobile tools allow users to:
- Monitor energy use in real time
- Report outages and receive alerts
- Enroll in rebates and billing plans
- Explore solar and EV incentives with ease
This digital-first strategy ensures that SCE’s 5 million+ customer accounts have 24/7 access to smarter energy choices.
Final Thought: A Utility That’s More Than a Utility
SCE is no longer just a utility provider. It’s a public partner, a climate innovator, and a critical force in the fight against climate change. As California continues to set national and global standards for clean energy, SCE’s role is only growing more central.
With every solar project, every EV charging port, and every wildfire-resistant power line, SCE is building a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable California—for this generation and the next.