Xcel Energy is increasing its wildfire detection and mitigation efforts in the Texas Panhandle by introducing artificial intelligence to spot fires early, the company said.
It is partnering with Pano AI to install more than 50 camera stations across the region. Carson, Gray, Roberts, Hutchinson, Wheeler, Hemphill, Garza, Cochran, Moore, Potter and Yoakum counties are currently being considered. First responders and firefighters will have immediate access to this data, shortening response times.
The investor-owned company is currently identifying strategic locations for the initial camera stations in areas with the highest fire risk, which will be complete in 2025. This is a five-year program.
Pano AI’s system combines 360-degree high-definition cameras, AI-driven smoke detection and satellite data integration to continuously scan for smoke. When a potential fire is detected, Pano immediately verifies it through human analysts, triangulates the location and notifies the 911 call center to activate the closest fire department. Fire departments will have access to these live streams for critical, real-time intelligence.
Each Texas camera station will perform a 360-degree sweep every minute. This initiative builds on Xcel Energy’s existing measures, including power line inspections, vegetation management and aerial surveillance.
The company plans to install more cameras in Texas and expand the program into its New Mexico service territory in the future. As camera stations are added and their reach overlaps, their accuracy will improve, helping firefighters respond more quickly, Xcel Energy said.
These efforts follow Xcel Energy’s successful deployment of Pano AI camera stations in Colorado.
Xcel Energy said its wildfire mitigation strategy also includes collaborations with other technology providers and thorough equipment inspections.
Austin Energy Announces Full Deployment of AI-Driven Early Wildfire Detection System
Texas public power utility Austin Energy is deploying its advanced AI-driven wildfire detection system, marking a significant step forward in enhancing wildfire response capabilities across its entire 437-square-mile service territory, the Texas public power utility said in August.
The Pano AI system integrates 13 ultra-high-definition, 360-degree cameras, artificial intelligence and real-time data monitoring to swiftly detect and verify potential wildfires.
