Power shutoffs extend into Rolling Hills because of land movement on Palos Verdes Peninsula

SoCal Edison will shut off power indefinitely for 50 customers in the Quail Ridge area in the city of Rolling Hills starting Wednesday at 6 p.m.

This brings the number of residents on the Palos Verdes Peninsula without power to more than 240. Above average rainfall over two winters has led to increased land movement — destabilizing power lines, damaging homes and infrastructure.

SoCal Edison said in a statement that ground movement “has created unsafe and hazardous conditions” which “increases the risk of system failure, fire ignition or other public safety hazards.”

On Monday, SoCal Gas shut off service for 35 homes in the same neighborhood, bringing a total of 224 homes on the peninsula without gas for an indefinite time.

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How did we get here

The impacted area sits on an ancient landslide complex which was reactivated in the 1950s when L.A. County extended Crenshaw Boulevard through the peninsula. In recent years, above average rainfall has accelerated the land movement — with some areas now moving roughly 88 times faster than they did in October 2022. The landslide, Rancho Palos Verdes city officials also said, is much deeper and faster moving than they first anticipated.

State of emergency

Power and gas shut offs in Rancho Palos Verdes led to Governor Gavin Newsom declaring a state of emergency in the city earlier this month.

In his emergency declaration, Gov. Newsom said his office has been working with the city of Rancho Palos Verdes to get federal money to help with capturing groundwater. The emergency declaration also gives the city manpower and equipment from the state to help stabilize the area.

LAist has reached out to the city of Rolling Hills for comment on how they will address the growing landslide complex and how it is now affecting their residents.

Resources for residents

• Those who use electricity for medical equipment may qualify for batteries to power their medical devices. Residents can check SCE Marketplace for available rebates.
• Some residents may be eligible for a rentable battery or a rebate to use towards a battery or portable generator. For more information, visit SCE’s Customer Resources and Support website.
• The utility company will not be providing residents with generators as the ground is unstable and might cause generators to tip over increasing the risk of fires.