Electrifying Rail Lines

I would like to correct the implication of a recent report that suggests Southern California Edison’s customers would pay for the costs of electrifying rail (“Electrification Could Cost $4.6 Billion,” Feb. 13). We have never seen 100% financing of the system by our customers as an option, and have repeatedly said so.

The Southern California Accelerated Rail Electrification report proposes an innovative public-private partnership for financing rail electrification that could include public sector funding at the federal, state and local levels, municipal and investor-owned utilities and railroad companies.

Edison offered to consider participating in the building and operating of those portions of the system that fall within a more traditional utility role--supplying electricity to the trains. This involvement would occur, however, only to the extent that it would be in the best interest of our customers.

We do believe that the electrification of rail systems could go a long way toward improving the air we breathe. Unlike many other businesses in the region that have chosen to relocate to other states (and even other countries), Edison is a long-term corporate citizen of the South Coast Basin. Consequently, we support the phased-in rail electrification plan, with engineering and construction for one line commencing immediately.

We believe this would be an effective way to prove out the actual cost, air quality benefits, consumer acceptance and viable funding sources. We hope such a plan will be pursued by those in position to do so.

MICHAEL R. PEEVEY

President

Southern California Edison

Rosemead