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Edison International posts Q1 loss on wildfire claims

California-based electric utility Edison International published a first-quarter loss on Tuesday from a year-ago profit, due to claims connected to a wildfire and other natural catastrophes numerous years back.

Edison, based in Rosemead, California, stated its net loss stood at $11 million, or 3 cents per share in the very first quarter, versus an earnings of $310 million, or 81 cents per share in the year-ago quarter.

The company stated a $490 million boost in projected losses was recorded after a first-quarter evaluation of loss estimates for 2017 and 2018 wildfires and mudslides.

The increase was primarily connected to the Woolsey Fire, which eliminated three individuals and damaged hundreds of structures when it

burned

nearly 97,000 acres in Los Angeles and Ventura counties in late 2018.

Los Angeles County took legal action against Southern California Edison Co, a. system of Edison International, in 2019, alleging the company's. harmed electrical equipment might have stimulated the fire. Some 86%. of the Woolsey individual complainants have settled. Some 97% of. complainants who sued for damages in other fires and mudslides. have likewise settled.

With wildfires now a nationwide issue, lawsuits outcomes. beyond California are impacting the costs to fix claims. all over, stated Pedro Pizarro, CEO of Edison International.

I repeat that we strongly believe that cost recovery is. warranted and in the general public interest, and we conservatively have. not reflected this considerable potential in our monetary. forecasts.

Edison International, which is the parent business of. Southern California Edison, has actually been hardening its electric. infrastructure as a way to guard against natural catastrophes like. wildfires.

We know that in the years ahead, with climate change,. we're going to see increased, not reduced climate-driven. wildfire danger conditions, Pizarro said.

On an adjusted basis, Edison International published an earnings. of $1.13 per share, missing out on analysts' average quotes of $1.15. per share, according to LSEG information.

(source: Reuters)