Southern California Edison ratepayers will cover $1.6 billion in settlement costs to pay victims of the 2017 Thomas Fire, more than half of the $2.4 billion being paid out for the massive wildfire and deadly mudslides that followed weeks later.

Customers are picking up the $1.7. billion tab after utility's s equipment was linked to California wildfire and flooding seven years ago.

Customers are picking up the $1.7 billion tab after the utility’s equipment was linked to the wildfire and resulting flooding seven years ago.

California officials voted Thursday to let Southern California Edison to raise electric rates to cover payments it made to victims of the 2017 Thomas wildfire.