The numbers are in, and for Edison International, 2025 was a banner year. The parent company of Southern California Edison (SCE) recently reported a staggering $4.46 billion in net income, more than tripling its profit from the previous year.
But while shareholders are celebrating healthy dividends, many families in Altadena are looking at a much bleaker reality. As litigation regarding the Eaton Fire moves forward, the massive gap between corporate earnings and community recovery is sparking a fierce debate over “misplaced priorities.”
The Financial Surge
Edison’s leap in profit didn’t happen in a vacuum. A key driver behind the $4.46 billion figure was a 9% rate increase approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). While the commission framed the hike as a necessary step for grid safety and infrastructure modernization, the timing of these record profits has left a bitter taste for many ratepayers.
The Human Cost in Altadena
While the financial reports show growth, the legal reports tell a story of loss. The Eaton Fire, which devastated parts of Altadena, remains the subject of intense litigation. Attorney Richard Bridgford, representing fire victims, hasn’t held back in his assessment of the utility’s recent announcement.
“While families in Altadena are still grieving the loss of homes, memories, and loved ones, Southern California Edison announced $4.5 billion in profits,” Bridgford stated. His message is clear:
“Infrastructure hardening and wildfire mitigation should come before executive bonuses and shareholder payouts.”
A Growing Tension
This situation highlights the fundamental tension of investor-owned utilities. They are tasked with two often-conflicting goals:
- Providing a return to investors to ensure they can attract the capital needed to maintain the grid.
- Protecting the public from the very infrastructure that provides their power.
As the Eaton Fire cases proceed through the courts, the doctrine of inverse condemnation—which can hold utilities liable for fire damage regardless of negligence—remains a looming shadow over these record earnings.
What’s Next?
For Altadena residents, the path to recovery is long. As we watch these legal proceedings unfold, the question remains: At what point do record profits stop being a sign of a healthy company and start being a sign of a broken system?