Southern California Edison has indicated in court it is not yet willing to begin talks to settle dozens of lawsuits in the monstrous Eaton fire — a move that some say is designed to pressure victims to participate in the utility’s own compensation plan.

An Edison attorney refused this week to calendar mediation sessions for more than 100 lawsuits that blame SCE for the fire that destroyed large parts of Altadena and killed 19 people.

Edison is launching its own program to privately compensate victims who forfeit their right to sue. Victims’ attorneys allege those payoffs would come at reduced rates.

Michael Artinian, one of the lawyers suing Edison, said the company is trying to push its own plan and stall the litigation.

“(Edison’s) motive is clear, to keep the leverage of time over

See Full Page