About this book:

*Edison Int'l: The Story of An American Company* chronicles the remarkable evolution of Edison International, tracing its origins from the humble Holt & Knupps partnership in 1886 Visalia to its current standing as a leading public utility holding company. This comprehensive history illuminates how Southern California Edison, its principal subsidiary, grew through strategic mergers and ambitious infrastructure projects like the Big Creek hydroelectric system, becoming an indispensable force in electrifying Southern California. The book explores the company's unique connection to Thomas Edison's legacy of innovation, showcasing its adaptability through periods of immense growth, economic hardship like the Great Depression and World Wars, and the profound shifts in energy policy from traditional regulation to the complexities of deregulation.

The narrative delves into pivotal challenges, including the transformative California Energy Crisis of 2000-2001 which pushed the company to the brink of insolvency, the strategic decision to close the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, and the costly failure of its independent power production arm, Edison Mission Energy. These turning points profoundly reshaped Edison International, leading it to refocus on its core regulated utility business while expanding into new ventures like the global energy advisory firm, Trio. The book culminates with an examination of Edison International's modern operations, highlighting its ambitious commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2045, its extensive grid modernization efforts, and its ongoing battle with the escalating financial and operational risks posed by California's wildfires.

This definitive account offers a deep dive into the leadership, culture, and corporate values that have sustained Edison International for over a century, emphasizing its dedication to safety, innovation, and community engagement. It provides a detailed look at the financial health and shareholder value drivers of a major utility navigating a dynamic regulatory landscape. Ultimately, *Edison Int'l* is not just the story of a company; it’s a microcosm of America’s energy journey, offering vital lessons in resilience, technological advancement, and the complex pursuit of a clean energy future for millions.

What You'll Find Inside:

• **From Gas Lamps to Global Powerhouse:** Trace Edison International's journey from a small 19th-century Visalia electric light company to a major American utility holding company, adapting through mergers, acquisitions, and technological shifts.
• **Navigating Crises and Regulatory Shifts:** Understand how Edison International survived pivotal challenges like the Great Depression, the 2000-2001 California Energy Crisis, and the San Onofre nuclear plant closure, profoundly shaping its risk management and operational strategies.
• **Leading the Clean Energy Transition:** Explore Edison International's aggressive commitment to net-zero emissions by 2045, including Southern California Edison's goal to deliver 100% carbon-free power, massive grid modernization efforts, and support for widespread electrification.
• **Mitigating Wildfire Risks:** Learn about the growing challenge of wildfires in California for utilities, and Edison International's multi-faceted mitigation strategies, including grid hardening, advanced technology deployment, and public safety power shutoffs.
• **Beyond the Wires: Diversification and Advisory Services:** Discover the evolution of Edison International's non-utility ventures, from the ambitious Edison Mission Energy to its current focus on global sustainability and energy advisory services through its subsidiary, Trio.

Who's It For:

This book is ideal for individuals interested in the history of American industry, particularly the evolution of public utilities and the energy sector. It will appeal to business students, investors, and policymakers seeking to understand the complexities of regulated monopolies, market deregulation, and the challenges of transitioning to a clean energy economy. Anyone curious about California's unique energy landscape and the interplay between corporate strategy, technology, and public policy will find this book insightful.