staffing. CAL FIRE has the largest civil aerial firefighting fleet in the world and recently contracted for 20 additional helicopters and 4 airplanes. SCE is also contributing to local fire agency suppression capabilities through the funding of the year-round Quick Reaction Force, made up of the world’s largest fire suppression helicopters with unique night firefighting capabilities. This partnership with the LA County Fire Department, Orange County Fire Authority, and Ventura County Fire Department helps suppress fires regardless of how they start and protect the communities SCE serves. This is the sixth straight year the utility has funded aerial suppression resources as part of its wildfire mitigation efforts.
Turning to sustainability, we continue to lead the way toward a clean energy future. SCE is a leader in California’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also focusing on the grid investments needed for a more resilient, equitable clean energy economy. I’m proud of all that we’ve done to execute on our long-term net-zero commitment in alignment with California’s ambitious policy goals. I encourage you to read our 2023 Sustainability Report for details about our accomplishments, goals, and long-term ESG commitments. Pages 9 and 10 highlight a few accomplishments. In 2023, SCE delivered 52% carbon-free power to customers, 55% cleaner than the national average. SCE contracted approximately 2,200 megawatts of energy storage, bringing the total at year-end to about 7,200 megawatts, and currently standing at 8,100 megawatts — one of the largest portfolios in the nation. Lastly, the utility met or outperformed nearly all wildfire mitigation targets last year and invested heavily in hardening the grid, leading to the 85 to more than 90% risk reduction I discussed earlier.
Let me conclude by saying that Edison International is leading the charge toward a carbon-neutral California. We’re committed to ensuring that the clean energy transition remains reliable, resilient, affordable, equitable, and accessible to all customers and communities.
Maria Rigatti, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Edison International
In my comments today, I would like to emphasize four key financial messages: