May is Wildfire Awareness Month, a time to recognize how changing weather patterns and drier conditions are reshaping wildfire risk across the country. Once a seasonal concern, wildfires are now a year-round challenge – even in areas that weren’t historically wildfire prone.

A changing risk landscape

Across the regions we serve, the data is clear: wildfire risk is increasing, and preparation matters now more than ever.

According to Climate Central, some areas of Colorado are now experiencing up to 45 more fire weather days per year than they did in the 1970s. Between January and March 2026, Red Flag Warnings in Colorado nearly doubled compared to the same period in 2025, underscoring how extreme wildfire conditions are arriving earlier. Historically low snowpack, unseasonably warm temperatures and very dry vegetation are expected to elevate wildfire risk further this year.

In Texas and New Mexico, many communities are seeing similar trends. Some areas of Texas are now experiencing up to 35 more fire weather days per year than they did in the 1970s; in New Mexico, some areas are experiencing up to 60 more fire weather days annually. As this year's prolonged dryness and warmer-than-average weather persists, wildfire risk is expected to remain elevated throughout the region.

We’re also seeing similar trends in the Upper Midwest, which may impact wildfire risks across the region.

Building everyday resilience

The reality is that wildfire preparedness is no longer limited to one season — and neither is our work to help reduce risk. At Xcel Energy, keeping our customers and communities safe is a year-round responsibility.

We continue to make strategic investments and operational improvements to strengthen our system, enhance situational awareness and reduce the risk of wildfires associated with our equipment. Here are some of the ways we’re acting:

Leveraging advanced technology
We’re using tools like AI-enabled Pano cameras, proprietary weather stations and real-time data modeling to better understand conditions on the ground. These technologies help us identify potential risks earlier and support more informed, safety-focused decisions during elevated fire conditions.

Enhancing maintenance and system upgrades
Our crews regularly inspect, maintain and upgrade equipment to strengthen our electric system. This includes targeted infrastructure improvements in high wildfire risk areas to better withstand extreme weather and reduce the likelihood of outages and equipment-related ignitions.

Operating differently during extreme conditions
When wildfire risk is elevated, we may implement Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) or, in limited circumstances, Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). These preventative measures temporarily change how our system operates during extreme conditions to help reduce the possibility of a wildfire starting. While these steps are taken with public safety in mind, we also know they can be disruptive. That’s why we prioritize communication before, during and after these events and continue working to minimize impacts wherever possible.

Expanding vegetation management
Vegetation near power lines can become fuel during dry, windy conditions. We’ve continued to expand our vegetation management efforts in high wildfire risk areas, helping remove trees, brush and grasses that could contribute to fire risk.

Strengthening partnerships
Wildfire preparedness is a shared effort. We work closely with local fire agencies, emergency managers and community partners to coordinate response efforts, share information and reduce risk across the communities we serve.

Supporting customers most affected by outages

We recognize that power interruptions can be especially challenging for some customers. During PSPS events and active wildfires, we work hard to support customers who may have additional needs, including those who rely on medical equipment that requires electricity, older adults, individuals with disabilities and customers with limited access to resources.

Customers in Colorado, New Mexico and Texas should consider registering with our medical assistance programs, which can help provide energy assistance and additional communications during planned and unplanned outages.

We encourage all customers to consider taking the following steps to prepare:

  • Update your 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 Public Notifications. 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.

Preparedness is a shared responsibility

While we continue to invest in wildfire mitigation and system resilience, preparedness extends beyond infrastructure. Staying informed, having a plan and knowing what to expect during extreme wildfire risk conditions can make a meaningful difference.

When it comes to wildfires, preparedness is a year-round commitment. As wildfire risk continues to evolve, our commitment remains the same: to operate safely, communicate clearly and work alongside communities to reduce risk wherever possible.