Who Pays What
Of the $640 million settlement, Xcel expects its insurance coverage will absorb about $350 million, ensuring customers won’t bear the financial brunt.
Telecommunications companies Qwest Corp. and Teleport Communications America LLC will also contribute, after plaintiffs alleged that their lines may have played a role in igniting the blaze.
Frenzel said the joint contributions aim to “bring some closure for the community” still reeling from the devastation.
Wider Efforts on Wildfire Prevention
Beyond the settlement, Xcel said it has launched a comprehensive wildfire mitigation strategy, which the Colorado Public Utilities Commission has unanimously approved. The 2025–2027 plan includes infrastructure investments, enhanced maintenance, real-time fire-risk monitoring, and expanded coordination with state and local agencies.
Legal Firepower
The sprawling litigation drew a deep bench of legal talent.
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Individual plaintiffs were represented by Edelson PC, Singleton Schreiber LLP, Robins Cloud LLP, Engstrom Lipscomb & Lack APC, Schack Law Group, and Keller Rohrback LLP.
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Subrogation plaintiffs were represented by Grotefeld Hoffmann Gordon Ochoa & Evinger LLP, Cozen O’Connor, Bauman Loewe Witt & Maxwell PLLC, and Denenberg Tuffley PLLC.
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Public entity plaintiffs were represented by Baron & Budd PC and Diab Chambers LLP.
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Xcel turned to powerhouse firm Cravath Swaine & Moore LLP, alongside Michael J. Gallagher Law PLLC.
