AMARILLO, Texas (May 6, 2026) — May is Wildfire Awareness Month, a reminder that extreme weather and drier conditions mean that wildfires are a near year-round, growing threat. Xcel Energy is encouraging customers to get Wildfire Aware, Wildfire Prepared.

Some areas of Texas are experiencing about 35 more fire weather days per year than they did in the 1970s. This year, unseasonably warm and dry weather and very dry vegetation are expected to increase wildfire risks beyond the “normal” wildfire season.

Wildfire preparedness isn’t limited to one season. Xcel Energy is taking action every day to help reduce the risk of wildfires, including by:

• Using advanced technologies, like Pano AI early wildfire detection cameras and proprietary weather stations, to enhance situational awareness and improve the company’s understanding of real-time conditions.

• Conducting enhanced maintenance and upgrading equipment to strengthen its system.

• Incorporating preventative measures, like Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings and Public Safety Power Shutoffs, that change how Xcel Energy operates its system during extreme conditions.

• Expanding vegetation management efforts in high wildfire risk areas to help remove fuels that could contribute to fires.

• Working closely with local fire agencies, emergency managers and other community partners to coordinate response and reduce risk.

• Supporting customers with access and functional needs, including those who use medical equipment that relies on electricity, older adults, individuals with disabilities and customers with limited access to resources.

In July 2025, the Public Utility Commission of Texas approved $37.6 million in wildfire prevention and mitigation investments as part of Xcel Energy’s System Resiliency Plan. This will allow the company to expand and accelerate system upgrades and maintenance, incorporate evolving risk assessment tools and leverage advanced technologies to build upon existing efforts to reduce wildfire risk.

Be Wildfire Aware, Wildfire Prepared

Xcel Energy is committed to supporting customers and communities as it manages the increased risk of wildfires. Customers are encouraged to consider taking the following steps to prepare:

• Update 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 Medical Need Verification. If you have a medical condition, consider obtaining Medical Need Verification, which can help provide protection against disconnection and extra communications during planned or unplanned outages.

• Sign up for Any Address Alerts. 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.

If customers see damaged power lines, equipment or other hazards, stay away and report it immediately by calling 800-895-4999. Early reporting can help reduce additional risk.