The effort to prevent utility-sparked wildfires in Colorado

More severe weather and drier conditions mean wildfire risks have fundamentally changed across the Front Range and mountain communities.

Why it's important: Wildfire seasons are a year-round threat, even in areas where they weren't as common before, requiring utilities like Xcel Energy to rethink how they operate the electric system throughout the year.

• There's no single solution to address wildfire threats – it requires a comprehensive approach that balances safety, reliability and affordability.

What you need to know: While most wildfires are started by human activity, an estimated 10% are thought to be started by electrical equipment, making utility infrastructure a critical component of community wildfire safety.

The positive news: Working with regulators and stakeholders, Xcel Energy launched a robust Wildfire Mitigation Program in 2020 and has since invested millions in grid improvements and new technologies.

In 2024 alone, these efforts included:

• 8,337 distribution poles replaced.
• 18,740 distribution poles inspected using drones.
• 2,832 miles of transmission line visually inspected.
• 108% completion rate of planned tree and brush clearing.

Worth a mention: Xcel Energy is deploying AI-enabled cameras, weather stations and advanced wildfire modeling software to support real-time monitoring and decision-making.

Xcel Energy continues to make advancements on many fronts to reduce wildfire risk, including:

• Enhanced equipment inspections and faster replacement of aging infrastructure.
• Expanded tree and brush clearing around power lines.
• Advanced electrical equipment deployment at an accelerated pace.

Okay, but: While Xcel Energy is investing in wildfire safety at scale, preventing disaster requires both systemic and individual action.

Get involved: Coloradans can help reinforce safety efforts with small steps at home.

• Update your contact information and sign up for outage notifications.
• Keep trees, bushes and brush cleared around electrical equipment on your property.
• Have a plan for power outages and potential evacuations and keep an emergency supply kit with basic supplies and important documents ready.

Here's what else: Colorado customers with medical equipment in their home can opt into additional proactive notifications through the Safe for Colorado program.

• These alerts provide extra time to prepare backup power or make alternative arrangements.
• Notifications include expected timing of an outage and tips on how to be ready.

Looking ahead: Climate projections suggest that wildfire risks will continue to increase across Colorado.

• Xcel Energy plans continued investment in grid hardening and advanced technologies.
• Regulatory approval of Xcel Energy's 2025 – 2027 Wildfire Mitigation Plan allows rapid deployment of critical safety projects.
• Customer education and preparedness programs will expand to reach more communities, including through strategic partnerships with local and regional community organizations.

The takeaway: Wildfire preparedness and safety is a responsibility that we all share, and we're committed to a clear goal: to prevent wildfires associated with our equipment.

• Xcel Energy is taking daily action to reduce risks through technology and infrastructure improvements, but it's up to all of us to take proactive steps to help mitigate the risk of wildfires.

Learn more.