Xcel Says Its Equipment Likely Involved in Huge Texas Blaze

  • The utility refuted allegations it had acted negligently
  • Shares jump nearly 5%, the most intraday in nearly a year

Fire crews work to extinguish hot spots following the Smokehouse Creek Fire in Fritch, Texas on March 1.

Photographer: Jordan Vonderhaar/Bloomberg
Lock
This article is for subscribers only.

Xcel Energy Inc. acknowledged that its equipment was likely involved in igniting the worst wildfire in Texas history. But the utility company also refutedBloomberg Terminal allegations it had acted negligently.

The company’s shares jumped as much as 4.9% in trading in New York, the most intraday in nearly a year.