In recent years, wildfires have impacted the utility industry. More frequent and severe drought conditions, extreme swings in amount and timing of precipitation, changes in vegetation, unseasonably warm temperatures, very low humidity, stronger winds and other factors have increased the duration of the wildfire season and the potential impact of an event. Also, the expansion of the wildland urban interface increases the wildfire risk to surrounding communities and Xcel Energy's electric and natural gas infrastructure. Wildfires could jeopardize Xcel Energy’s electric and gas infrastructure and third-party property and result in temporary power outages or shortages in our service territories.
We have programs in place to mitigate the physical and financial risks associated with wildfires; however, Xcel Energy’s wildfire mitigation initiatives may not be successful or effective in preventing or reducing wildfire-related losses. Wildfires can occur even when Xcel Energy follows its procedures and implements its wildfire mitigation initiatives.
Other potential risks associated with wildfires and other climate events include the inability to secure sufficient insurance coverage, increased costs of insurance, or ability for insurers to meet their obligations, regulatory recovery risk, and the potential for a credit downgrade and subsequent additional costs to access capital markets.
While we carry liability insurance, given an extreme event, if Xcel Energy was found to be liable for wildfire damages, amounts could potentially exceed our coverage and negatively impact our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.