Xcel Energy strengthens wildfire preparedness efforts
Media Release, Xcel Energy
AMARILLO, Texas — In recognition of Fire Prevention Month, Xcel Energy is emphasizing its commitment to wildfire safety and preparedness across Texas and New Mexico. As wildfire risks continue to impact the region, the company is taking proactive steps to help customers stay safe and informed.
Wildfire Prevention and Safety Xcel Energy continues to invest in infrastructure upgrades, enhanced vegetation management and operational improvements to reduce the risk of wildfires. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to protect communities and maintain reliable service during extreme weather conditions. We encourage customers to take steps to prepare for potential emergencies, including:
1. Sign Up for Alerts. Sign up for alerts from your local emergency responders and, if you’re an Xcel Energy customer, make sure your contact information is updated in My Account to stay updated on planned and unplanned outages and restoration times.
2. Prepare an Emergency Kit. Include basic supplies as recommended by the experts at Ready.gov and include any additional supplies they recommend as appropriate for your circumstances.
3. Develop an Evacuation Plan. Create a plan with multiple evacuation routes away from your location and ensure all family members know the plan and how you’ll communicate if you get separated. More information on how to prepare is available from Ready.gov.
4. Maintain Defensible Space. Clear vegetation and debris around your home and regularly clean gutters, roofs and outdoor spaces to reduce fire risk.
Xcel Energy’s Wildfire Safety and Preparedness webpage has additional practical tips for protecting yourself, your home, staying informed during emergencies and preparing for planned or unplanned electric outages.
Have Medical Needs? If you use refrigerated medications or a powered medical device that relies on electricity, we encourage you to prepare for power outages in advance.
If you inform Xcel Energy of your medical condition, you can receive additional advanced notification of planned Public Safety Power Shutoffs and additional notifications for unplanned outages. You may also qualify for lower electric rates or protection against credit action and disconnection.
For more information about our Texas Medical Need Verification Program or New Mexico Medical Assistance Programs, including how to register, please visit:
• Texas: https://tx.my.xcelenergy.com/s/billing-payment/energy-assistance/medical-exemption-program
• New Mexico: https://nm.my.xcelenergy.com/s/billing-payment/energy-assistance/medical-exemption-program
If you have more questions or need help registering, call 800-895-4999. To learn more about the steps Xcel Energy is taking to promote community preparedness and prevent wildfires, visit
xcelenergy.com/Wildfire.
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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.
