Xcel Energy Is Sued Over Worst Wildfire in Texas History
- Power equipment sparked massive blaze, according to suit
- Xcel market value has slumped; utilities face multiple claims
A burned car and home following the Smokehouse Creek Fire in Fritch, Texas, on March 1.
Photographer: Jordan Vonderhaar/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
A unit of Xcel Energy Inc. was sued over claims that broken power equipment started the worst wildfire in Texas history, which has charred more than 1 million acres and killed two people.
The blaze was sparked on Feb. 26 when a single wooden utility pole owned by Xcel’s Southwestern Public Service Co. snapped amid high winds, according to the lawsuit filed Friday in Texas state court.