Power lines ignited the largest wildfire in Texas history and one nearby, officials say By JAMIE STENGLE Associated Press Power lines ignited massive wildfires across the Texas Panhandle that killed at least two people, destroyed homes and livestock, and left a charred landscape, officials said Thursday, including the largest blaze in state history. The Texas A&M Forest Service said its …

New Mexico, Texas oil boom sparks electricity demand surge ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Electricity demand on Xcel Energy’s grid is reaching all-time records thanks to the oil and gas boom in southeastern New Mexico and West Texas. Xcel Energy New Mexico and Texas president David Hudson says oil and gas production in the Permian Basin is driving accelerated load growth …

Hobbs says ‘No’ to power rate increase Call it an adamant ‘no!’ As might be expected, none of the 25 Hobbs area residents in attendance of a town hall meeting Friday supported a proposed local electricity rate increase. Public Regulation Commissioner Patrick Lyons hosted the meeting held at Hobbs City Hall. Officials with Southwestern Public Service Company, a subsidiary of Xcel Energy, asked a …

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A proposed eastern New Mexico wind energy project that will be the subject of a public hearing next week has a large group of backers but also faces a substantial number of opponents, including staff at the state’s utility regulation commission. Hundreds of wind turbines would be erected near the town of Portales close to …