AMARILLO, Texas (Aug. 4, 2026) — Southwestern Public Service Company (SPS), a subsidiary of Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL), filed a Wildfire Mitigation Plan with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). The plan outlines specific actions, technologies and operational practices Xcel Energy uses to reduce wildfire risk, enhance public safety and strengthen grid resilience across its Texas service area.
“Wildfire mitigation work is not new to our region, but as the risk evolves, we are strategically partnering with our communities to address the issue,” said Brad Baldridge, interim president, Xcel Energy – Texas. “Our purpose is straightforward: Reduce wildfire risk, protect our communities and provide the safe, reliable service our customers depend on every day.”
The Wildfire Mitigation Plan (WMP) provides a framework for assessing wildfire risk and prioritizing mitigation activities and builds on Xcel Energy’s existing safety, reliability and resiliency protocols as conditions, technology and industry practices evolve. It also supports greater visibility into wildfire risk through tools and practices that improve awareness of weather conditions, equipment performance and potential risks. The plan takes a “Layers of Defense” approach, incorporating situational awareness tools, programs to enhance system resiliency, operational mitigations and customer support.
Proposed plan components:
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Weather stations that track localized conditions contributing to wildfire risk
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AI-enabled wildfire detection cameras that help identify and verify potential fire activity
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Drone-based inspections and field technologies that improve equipment visibility and system performance
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Meteorology, fire science and operational expertise to help evaluate conditions and guide response efforts during elevated wildfire conditions
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Increased inspections, equipment repairs and vegetation management in elevated wildfire risk areas
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Distribution modernization, including device upgrades that enable Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) and improve system operation during elevated wildfire conditions
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Transmission and distribution upgrades, including line rebuilds, conductor replacements, pole replacements, equipment upgrades and targeted undergrounding
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Fault indicators that help identify fault locations and support faster response
Xcel Energy uses enhanced operating strategies when wildfire conditions warrant, including Wildfire Safety Operations, EPSS, protective equipment and communications upgrades and a Public Safety Power Shutoff plan under defined conditions. These measures are designed to help reduce ignition risk, improve the system’s ability to detect and respond to faults and support coordination with emergency management agencies, public safety partners and first responders before, during and after wildfire events.
Wildfire risk is not an issue any single organization can address alone, and Xcel Energy works in coordination with a wide range of partners and stakeholders to improve readiness and support public safety.
“It’s part of my job to go out and talk to volunteer firefighters and first responders and find out what they need to keep their communities safe, especially where wildfires are most likely to occur,” said Wes Reeves, wildfire mitigation senior community engagement manager, Xcel Energy. “I hear their feedback often, and tools such as wildfire detection cameras provide them with critical situational awareness. We’re thankful for our partners as we work together to reduce the risk of fires.”
SPS’s filing supports Xcel Energy’s coordinated approach to reducing wildfire risk and helping protect the communities it serves. The plan awaits approval from the PUCT, with a decision anticipated within 180 days of filing a sufficient application.
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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.
