Xcel Energy: Brings AI-driven wildfire detection to Wisconsin

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (May 14, 2026) — Xcel Energy is bringing artificial intelligence-driven wildfire detection cameras to Wisconsin, providing quick notifications to first responders of grass and forest fires and helping protect communities, natural resources and power infrastructure.

Pano AI wildfire detection cameras have been installed in nine locations in northwestern Wisconsin, including areas near Hayward, Luck, Spooner and Tomah.  Xcel Energy will install additional Pano AI cameras by the end of 2026 in areas where there is a higher risk of wildfires near the company’s power lines. Pano AI cameras provide 24/7 monitoring that complement Xcel Energy’s existing wildfire mitigation strategies to ensure the grid continues to provide safe and reliable service to homes and businesses.

“May is  Wildfire Prevention Month, and it’s important for everyone to know that even in Wisconsin, wildfires pose an increasing threat to our communities, our natural resources and, of course, our infrastructure,” said Karl Hoesly, president, Xcel Energy-Wisconsin and Michigan. “Introducing this technology allows us to stay ahead of the risk and limit damage from wildfires while keeping the grid safe and reliable.”

Pano AI’s technology combines high-definition cameras, artificial intelligence-driven smoke detection and satellite data integration to continuously scan for smoke. Each camera station — which is attached to a tall, existing structure— will perform a 360-degree sweep of its surroundings every minute. When a potential fire is detected, human analysts at Pano AI verify it, and then the system triangulates its location and notifies local fire agencies and dispatch centers.

“As wildfire conditions evolve across the Midwest, utilities are recognizing the importance of faster situational awareness and stronger coordination with emergency responders,” said Arvind Satyam, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer at Pano AI. “Xcel Energy is taking a forward-looking approach by deploying technology that can help identify potential ignitions earlier, support safer operations, and provide intelligence to firefighters and dispatch teams — helping better protect Wisconsin communities, natural resources, and critical infrastructure.”

Fire departments, meteorologists, communication centers and the Wisconsin DNR can use the system’s real-time intelligence—including hard-to-monitor areas—to coordinate wildfire response and reduce response times. Early detection helps limit fire spread, improves first responder safety and lowers overall firefighting costs.

Earlier this month, Pano AI cameras were the initial detection method for what would be named the Lagoo Creek Fire – within the State of Wisconsin DNR’s Spooner Area Dispatch Group. “Thanks to the initial detection [and triangulated coordinates from] the Pano Cameras, WI DNR suppression resources were dispatched to the Lagoo Creek Fire before traditional citizen-reporting methods and before the fire had time to transition into crown fire in the surrounding mature red pine. The Lagoo Creek Fire was contained the same afternoon of Pano’s initial detection at a final size of 3.12 acres”, said Colton Erickson, WI DNR.

“Fire alerts are the most widely used application of the Pano AI cameras,” said meteorologists Joe Moore and Lee Britt of the National Weather Service in Duluth. “We also validate locations using satellite hotspot data and known prescribed burns. The cameras also help identify lake-effect snow along the South Shore, giving us better visibility and confidence in our forecasts. In summer, their 360-degree coverage and one-minute updates help us monitor developing thunderstorms, including nearby supercells.”

While the Pano AI cameras are new to Wisconsin, Xcel Energy already uses them in Minnesota, Colorado, Texas and New Mexico. Xcel Energy’s Wildfire Mitigation Program combines industry experience, risk assessment tools and advanced technology to reduce wildfire risk, supported by investments in modern equipment, expanded vegetation management, enhanced inspections and collaboration with communities and agencies on prevention and response plans.

Learn more about Xcel Energy’s wildfire mitigation efforts in Wisconsin.

***Locations of Pano AI cameras: Birchwood, Cumberland, Hayward, Luck, Mercer, Spooner, South Wind Lake, Tomah and Manitowish Waters.

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About Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider, dedicated to serving millions of customers with excellence. We make energy work better for customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar — delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient and sustainable energy. We are committed to leading the clean energy transition, meeting our customers’ need for more, cleaner power, while keeping bills as low as possible. Because the people we serve depend on us to power their lives. With our Wisconsin/Michigan headquarters in Eau Claire, Wis., we work every day to generate and distribute electricity and gas to customers across northwest Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula. For more information, visit xcelenergy.comor follow us on X, and Facebook.

About Pano AI

Pano AI is the leader in AI-powered wildfire detection. Launched in 2020, the company provides advanced early detection and situational awareness solutions to fire agencies, utilities, governments, and private landholders to help protect people, property, and infrastructure from catastrophic wildfires. With deployments across the U.S., Canada, and Australia, Pano AI is building a new standard for real-time wildfire intelligence. To learn more, visit www.pano.ai or follow the company on LinkedIn.