Xcel Energy agreed to a $640 million settlement to resolve a lawsuit over its alleged role in causing the 2021 Marshall fire in Colorado, avoiding a lengthy trial with over 4,000 plaintiffs. The settlement includes contributions from telecommunications companies and does not admit fault, as Xcel maintains its equipment was not responsible for the fire.
More than 150 insurance companies and two survivors of the Marshall fire in Colorado are suing Xcel Energy, alleging negligence in the utility company's role in causing the devastating fire. The lawsuits come after an 18-month investigation found that the fire had two ignition points, including an Xcel Energy power line that arced and sent hot particles into dry grass. The insurance companies are seeking damages for the destruction of over 1,000 homes and more than $2 billion in property damage. The survivors are claiming that Xcel Energy failed to take necessary precautions despite high fire risk warnings. Xcel Energy denies its power lines played a role in triggering the fire.
Over 150 insurance companies have filed a joint lawsuit against Xcel Energy, seeking to reclaim money paid in settlements to victims of the Marshall fire. The fire, which caused over $2 billion in property damage, was determined to have been partly caused by a faulty Xcel Energy power line. The insurance companies argue that Xcel Energy was negligent in maintaining its equipment and failed to account for the potential damage caused by strong winter winds. This lawsuit follows the Boulder County sheriff and district attorney naming Xcel Energy as one of the entities responsible for the fire.
Two dozen people have filed a lawsuit against Xcel Energy, claiming that the company's power lines and equipment were a "substantial factor" in the cause of the deadly Marshall Fire. Investigators believe an Xcel power line was knocked by strong winds and came in contact with another piece of equipment, causing electrical arcing and hot particles to discharge and ignite a fire. The plaintiffs claim negligence on Xcel's part and are seeking financial compensation for damage to property, loss of wages, physical injury, mental suffering, emotional distress, and more. Xcel denies blame and says the system was properly maintained.
The 2021 Marshall fire in Boulder County was caused by embers buried for six days on a residential property reigniting and sparks from an "unmoored" Xcel Energy power line. The district attorney's office found "insufficient or no evidence of a crime" and no reason to file charges against Xcel Energy. A group of more than 20 victims of the fire filed a new lawsuit against Xcel, alleging negligence in its operation of its power lines and equipment. The fire destroyed over 1,000 homes and businesses, causing an estimated $2 billion in losses, and resulted in two deaths.