As of 3 p.m., most of the power has been restored to the Hill.
Not all circuits have been re-energized, according to Media Advisor Mary Ann Milbourn.They are moving cautiously and expect complete restoration between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Edison media staff assured inquirers that this was not a planned power shutoff due to the Santa Ana wind event, which started Monday morning. They had no explanation for the blackout. Throughout the Monday, power restoration was promised. Some areas, north of Idyllwild, did see several hours of light Monday evening before losing their power again.
Apparently an automatic circuit breaker closed down and Edison could not restart it soon enough. Because of the winds their field staff had to survey power lines to be sure no branches, limbs or other encumbrances were on lines and could ignite.
Tuesday morning, SCE was able to use a helicopter, which the winds prevented on Monday, to speed the survey of the lines. About noon, power was coming back to many Hill neighborhoods.