Texas sends civil investigative demand letter to Xcel Energy over fires

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into several utility companies connected to the Smokehouse Creek and Windy Deuce Fires. “In 2024, Smokehouse Creek and Windy Deuce Fires affected more than 1 million acres in the Texas Panhandle, destroying hundreds of homes and causing massive ecological damage. Power facilities operated by utility companies in the area caused and contributed to the outbreak,” Paxton said in a statement. The Office of the Attorney General has issued civil investigative demand letters to Xcel Energy (XEL), Osmose Utilities Services, and Southwestern Public Services Company for documents related to the Smokehouse Creek and Windy Deuce Fires in order to ascertain if any Texas laws were violated. Shares of Xcel Energy dropped 2% to $70.67 following the news.