Texas AG launches investigation into Xcel Energy, other utilities connected to wildfires

(Reuters) -Texas attorney general Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into several utility companies connected to the Smokehouse Creek and Windy Deuce Fires, his office said on Friday.

The office said it issued civil investigative demand letters to Xcel Energy, Osmose Utilities Services and Southwestern Public Services for documents related to the wildfires in order to ascertain if any Texas laws were violated.

Shares of Xcel were down 1.6% at $71.27 in mid-day trade.

Last year, Xcel Energy had said its facilities likely started the Smokehouse Creek fire, which has destroyed dozens of homes and charred sprawling cattle ranches in the largest wildfire in recorded Texas history.

"It is unconscionable that utility companies might have sacrificed infrastructure maintenance, public safety, and the well-being of our Texas communities for radical ESG and DEI goals," said Paxton in a statement.

(Reporting by Tanay Dhumal in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo)

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