Southern California Edison Will Put $35 Million Into Relief Effort

In the largest commitment of private funds to rebuild Los Angeles since the city suffered devastating riots two weeks ago, Southern California Edison today will announce a $35-million job training and economic development plan to help the affected communities.

“This is by far the largest commitment we have ever made to an effort of this kind,” said Edison Chairman John E. Bryson, noting that the expenditure will be more than double the company’s total philanthropic budget this year. “Our plan is long-term, self-sustaining and hopefully will serve as a model for Southern California’s business community.”

Under the plan, Edison will donate several million dollars to the Rebuild L.A. campaign and spend $6.5 million to set up two regional job training centers, one in an old Edison facility in Compton and another at an undetermined site.

The utility giant, which serves 4.1 million customers in Central and Southern California, said it will excuse bills of all homes and businesses lost to the riots. It will also offer up to $11 million in rebates and low-interest loans to help businesses in the affected areas construct more energy-efficient facilities. Edison also said it will spend $500,000 for educational assistance and $7.5 million in community and economic development aid.

The program will be implemented over five years. It was formulated after the company solicited ideas from its 17,000 employees and consulted with Peter V. Ueberroth, who is heading Rebuild L.A.