Texas Attorney General sues Xcel Energy unit over Smokehouse Creek wildfire
Dec 16 (Reuters) - The Attorney General of Texas, Ken Paxton, sued Xcel Energy's XEL.O unit Southwestern Public Service Company for causing the Smokehouse Creek fire in 2024, his office said on Tuesday.
The fire was the largest recorded wildfire in Texas history and led to the deaths of three Texans and over $1 billion in damages.
Shares of Xcel Energy fell 4% in afternoon trading.
The lawsuit seeks compensation for economic losses, including property damage and diminished wildlife value, civil penalties for Texas law violations and a court order compelling Xcel to take corrective measures to prevent future tragedies.
Earlier this year, Paxton's office had launched an investigation into several utility companies connected to the Smokehouse Creek and Windy Deuce fires.
"Xcel owes a duty of care to the residents and customers in its service area. Xcel failed this duty, and I am here to hold them accountable," said Attorney General Paxton.
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