August 12, 2026
By Kathleen Dunleavy
Director of External and Employee Communications, SCE
The Los Angeles Times’ Aug. 12 article, “Senator 'deeply troubled' by utility threats,” advances a misleading narrative by repeating prior incorrect assertions, while also misconstruing comments made by Edison International President and CEO, Pedro J. Pizarro. The result is a story that omits critical industry, legislative and financial context needed for readers to fully understand the issues at hand.
During an Aug. 11 phone conversation, reporter Melody Petersen requested my reaction to the senator’s letter, and I provided it. She told me that my statement would not be included because it was “opinionated.” She did not provide further explanation. She instead chose to write in her piece that Edison “declined to comment further” (besides saying that the Times mischaracterized remarks), which is deceptive. My statement was this: “It's unfortunate that the Los Angeles Times’ mischaracterization of the Edison International earnings call is referenced.” That mischaracterization was in her Aug. 5 story “Utilities threaten action if lawmakers fail to cut their wildfire liability risk.”
Characterizing the comments of executives as “threats” or “warnings” is inflammatory and shows a lack of understanding of the policy, regulatory and financial issues involved. During Edison’s second quarter earnings call on July 30, Pizarro emphasized the need for a durable, financeable and predictable framework that supports continued investment in California's electric infrastructure, maintains access to capital at a reasonable cost and helps manage affordability for customers. He described these issues as affecting utilities, customers, businesses, communities and California's broader economy.
Edison has been and will continue to be transparent about the consequences of legislative inaction, which could make raising capital more difficult for California utilities and ultimately increase customers’ costs.
At no point did Pizarro describe the legislation as seeking shareholder-protective measures, nor did he frame the discussion as protecting shareholder interests at the expense of customers.
During that same earnings call, Pizarro reaffirmed: “SCE will continue to safely serve customers and maintain its unwavering focus on safety.”
Pizarro also stated: “There are things that are sacrosanct, right, around safety, reliability. We have obligations under the PUC code.”
A legislative outcome that does not support utility financial health could lead private investors to take their capital elsewhere. The Legislature cannot compel them to invest capital at a loss. A downgrade of the credit ratings for any investor-owned utility will ultimately cost customers more. As with any form of credit, borrowing money to make the upgrades Southern California Edison requires will cost customers more without a solid credit rating.
Access to affordable capital helps fund the investments that enable Edison team members to work safely while delivering reliable and affordable electricity to 15 million Californians.
Kathleen Dunleavy
Director of External and Employee Communications at SCE
Kathleen Dunleavy is director of external and employee communications at SCE, where she leads employee and executive communications, media relations, social media and crisis communications.
Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for strategic messaging, executive communications and crisis communications during high-stakes issues. Dunleavy has served as a spokesperson for Fortune 100 companies and has extensive experience helping organizations navigate complex issues, protect reputation and communicate with clarity during moments of change. Her areas of expertise include wildfire mitigation, wildfire claims, safety, affordability, reputation management and stakeholder communications.
Kathleen Dunleavy is director of external and employee communications at SCE, where she leads employee and executive communications, media relations, social media and crisis communications.
Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for strategic messaging, executive communications and crisis communications during high-stakes issues. Dunleavy has served as a spokesperson for Fortune 100 companies and has extensive experience helping organizations navigate complex issues, protect reputation and communicate with clarity during moments of change. Her areas of expertise include wildfire mitigation, wildfire claims, safety, affordability, reputation management and stakeholder communications.
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