Some areas of New Mexico are experiencing about 60 more fire days per year than they did in the 1970s. This year, unseasonably warm and dry weather and very dry vegetation are expected to increase wildfire risks beyond the “normal” wildfire season. The National Interagency Fire Center’s May monthly seasonal outlook predicts above average significant fire potential through the summer.
Wildfire preparedness isn’t limited to one season. Xcel Energy is taking action every day to help reduce the risk of wildfires, including by:
- Using advanced technologies, like Pano AI early wildfire detection cameras and proprietary weather stations, to enhance situational awareness and improve the company’s understanding of real-time conditions.
- Conducting enhanced maintenance and upgrading equipment to strengthen its system.
- Incorporating preventative measures, like Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings and Public Safety Power Shutoffs, that change how Xcel Energy operates its system during extreme conditions.
- Expanding vegetation management efforts in high wildfire risk areas to help remove fuels that could contribute to fires.
- Working closely with local fire agencies, emergency managers and other community partners to coordinate response and reduce risk.
- Supporting customers with access and functional needs, including those who use medical equipment that relies on electricity, older adults, individuals with disabilities and customers with limited access to resources.
Be Wildfire Aware, Wildfire Prepared
Xcel Energy is committed to supporting customers and communities as it manages the increased risk of wildfires. Customers are encouraged to consider taking the following steps to prepare:
- Update contact information in My Account. This helps ensure you’re receiving the most up-to-date information about planned and unplanned electric outages.
- Build an emergency supply kit. Be sure to include enough basic supplies for several days, as well as supplies specific to your situation, like prescription medications and pet food.
- Know your local evacuation routes. During wildfires, first responders and emergency management officials direct evacuations. Review their plans for your neighborhood and make a plan specific to your household.
- Create defensible space around your home. Clearing flammable vegetation and materials near your structures can significantly reduce wildfire risks and help slow the spread of fire.
- Sign up for Medical Assistance Programs. If you have a medical condition, consider registering for Xcel Energy’s Medical Certification Program, which can provide protection against disconnection and extra communications during planned or unplanned outages.
- Sign up for Any Address Alerts. Even if you aren’t an account holder, you can receive Public Safety Power Shutoff and emergency notifications for an address you care about, like a loved one’s home, a school or a business.
If customers see damaged power lines, equipment or other hazards, stay away and report it immediately by calling 800-895-4999. Early reporting can help reduce additional risk.
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About Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider, dedicated to serving millions of customers with excellence. We make energy work better for customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar — delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient and sustainable energy.
We are committed to leading the clean energy transition, meeting our customers’ need for more, cleaner power, while keeping bills as low as possible. Because the people we serve depend on us to power their lives.
Headquartered in Minneapolis, we work every day to generate and distribute electricity and gas to customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on X and Facebook.
