The SCE targeted undergrounding website provides maps by county for the scope of work we’re planning in different communities. Different stages of the undergrounding work will require different permits. During the planning phase, SCE will initiate early permit applications with the city, county and CalTrans. We’ll also initiate any government lands and environmental requirements. As we move into the scheduling phase, we’ll perform the standard permitting and easement processes, perform the environmental clearance process and obtain additional agency permits, if required. Undergrounding construction requires disturbance along the entire route, which could require approval from multiple agencies and jurisdictions, as well as more extensive reviews and approval.

No. An easement allows crews to access the property for construction or maintenance on SCE equipment and for that equipment to remain.

SCE will only enter the premises if equipment installation or maintenance is needed. Customers will be notified before crews arrive. 

Once an agreement is reached, the easement is permanent and will stay with the property, even if the property ownership changes. 

During the design phase, planners try to avoid the need for easements, but sometimes the only feasible path for underground equipment is through private property. If just one customer declines, the entire neighborhood may not be able to have underground lines. 

SCE will only enter the premises if equipment installation or maintenance is needed. Customers will be notified before crews arrive.

No. An easement allows crews to access the property for construction or maintenance on SCE equipment and for that equipment to remain.

A Right of Entry (ROE) grants temporary permission to an entity, such as SCE, to enter and access a property for specific purposes (e.g., inspections, surveys or construction preparation). 

An easement is a permanent property right that allows ongoing use of a portion of the property.

A Right of Entry (ROE) grants temporary permission to an entity, such as SCE, to enter and access a property for specific purposes (e.g., inspections, surveys or construction preparation). An easement is a permanent property right that allows ongoing use of a portion of the property.

Undergrounding is a very complex project, and because of that, the timing of the work is subject to change as the work progresses. Work will typically occur from 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Friday and with occasional work on weekends. The times will be the same for undergrounding work but may require 24-hour work for underground drilling in some locations.

SCE vehicles will feature the company’s logo. Anyone associated with the work will also carry ID badges.

The targeted undergrounding work may require occasional access to individual property, but notification will be made ahead of time to property owners. We understand the stress that traffic can have on all of our lives and SCE will work very closely with the city on public outreach around the traffic impacts so we can make sure folks plan their commute and daily errands around the closures. We can’t eliminate the impact of lane closures, but we can minimize inconveniences by spreading the word.

While dust during the undergrounding construction work cannot be completely eliminated, you may also see a water truck periodically spraying water at the work site during operation of construction equipment and vehicles to help reduce fugitive dust. This is being performed in accordance with the project’s dust control guidelines. Here are a few simple tips that may help you reduce construction disturbance: close windows and doors facing the construction area to reduce noise and dust, and watch for project updates to ensure you have the most up-to-date information about the work taking place in your area.

Once undergrounding construction work has been completed, SCE will perform post-construction cleanup and restoration activities in project work areas.

Customers may experience outages associated with targeted undergrounding work and we recognize that temporary outages can be inconvenient and appreciate your patience. In these cases, we will notify you by phone, text, email or mail at least 72 hours before the outages you so you can take any necessary precautions. Please be aware, however, that timing can change for safety reasons. It’s possible that an outage can be rescheduled, canceled, or end earlier than planned. Your notification will include a Scheduled Outage Number that you may enter into our Outage Map to receive the latest updates.

If you believe SCE is responsible for damage to your property incurred during the undergrounding work, you may submit a claim. SCE Claims department will evaluate claims on a case-by-case basis. You can find more information about filing a claim by visiting sce.com/claims.

If you have specific questions not answered on the website, you can leave a voicemail for the project team on its dedicated phone voicemail box at 1-888-331-0010.