June 10, 2026
By Kathleen Dunleavy
Director of External and Employee Communications, SCE
With its most recent article on June 9, 2026, the Los Angeles Times continues to do a disservice to its readers and our community. The reporter presents plaintiffs’ attorneys’ arguments in a one-sided, sensationalist manner. At the same time, she ignores the facts and context we provided to her that would add to a fuller, more accurate and informed conversation about the Eaton Fire investigation and how electric utilities work.
This latest story stems from a motion filed by plaintiffs’ attorneys asking a judge to rule, without a jury, that SCE ignited the Eaton Fire. They presented a video from a local swim and tennis club and claimed that it was a defining piece of evidence. It shows the same two flashes seen in the video released in the immediate aftermath of the Eaton Fire. We will address the specifics of this video through the standard legal process — as matters like these should be addressed. The motion is wrong on the facts and the law, and we intend to demonstrate that in a clear, compelling way.
The Eaton Fire began during one of the most extreme wind-and-drought events in California’s history. These extreme conditions were identified in Los Angeles County's own after-action review as decisive factors in the fire’s spread. Throughout our cooperation with the investigation into what caused the Eaton Fire, we've said time and again that, absent additional evidence, SCE believes that it is likely that its equipment could have been associated with the ignition of the Eaton Fire.
With that said, here is some additional context that the plaintiffs’ attorneys, the Los Angeles Times and other media fail to adequately clarify:
- The video in question shows the same two flashes as shown in the ARCO video from 2025.
- Idle power lines are kept in place for many reasons that are important to serving customers and the community, such as supporting electrification, backup capacity and regional growth.
- One recent example is Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project, which repurposed and reenergized idle structures and lines for renewable energy development. This project carries enough energy to supply the equivalent of 3 million homes.
- SCE is making progress toward helping those who were affected by the Eaton Fire with fast and fair payments through the Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program.
Our community deserves complete, accurate information about the January 2025 wildfires — not selective claims litigated through the filter of a newspaper and reporter with an 18-month track record of bias about this issue. SCE remains committed to cooperating fully with the investigation, and supporting those affected on their path to rebuilding and recovery.
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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