Xcel Energy in hot water after Colorado wildfires: to pay ~$640M in fire-lawsuit settlements. Minneapolis utility serves 3.7M electric, 2.1M gas customers.
Georgia is battling two large wildfires in Brantley, Clinch and Echols counties amid drought and gusty winds. Rain helped containment on some fronts, but authorities warn this will be a long fight with the footprint of the blazes needing to be held and additional evacuations possible.
A late-season snowstorm is sweeping Colorado and the High Plains, bringing heavy snow and rain that is expected to continue into Wednesday. Despite ongoing drought, the storm will boost snowpack and help alleviate drought conditions without ending the broader water shortage. Utilities are preparing for power outages as wet snow weighs on trees and infrastructure.