Overview

• On August 15, Paxton’s office issued civil investigative demand letters to Xcel Energy, its subsidiary Southwestern Public Service Company, and Osmose Utilities Services seeking internal records and communications
• The probe centers on allegations that utility firms deprioritized critical infrastructure upkeep in favor of environmental, social and governance or diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
• Xcel Energy has confirmed its facilities may have played a role in the Smokehouse Creek ignition but continues to deny negligence and says it is cooperating with investigators
• The Smokehouse Creek fire burned more than one million acres in February 2024 after a broken utility pole exposed live wires to dry grass, according to state and company findings
• Conservative and rancher advocacy groups have praised the investigation as a necessary step toward accountability and compensation for families and livestock owners affected by the blaze