POWER Act of 2025
POWER Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# POWER Act of 2025 Summary **What it does:** The POWER Act allows electric utilities that receive federal emergency funding to restore power after disasters to also use that money for hazard mitigation projects—like hardening infrastructure against future storms or flooding. The bill clarifies that utilities can access both power restoration funds and separate hazard mitigation assistance from FEMA's Public Assistance program for the same facility, if they meet eligibility requirements. **Who it affects:** Electric utility companies and the communities they serve would be the primary beneficiaries. This especially helps areas recovering from natural disasters and extreme weather events.
Taxpayers fund these programs, so the bill affects federal disaster spending. **Current status:** The bill passed the House and is now moving through the legislative process. It would need Senate approval and presidential signature to become law.
CRS Official Summary
Promoting Opportunities to Widen Electrical Resilience Act of 2025 or the POWER Act of 2025This bill authorizes electric utilities receiving certain emergency assistance for the restoration of power to also carry out cost-effective hazard mitigation activities in combination with the power restoration activities. Additionally, the bill specifies that electric utilities receiving such assistance for a facility may, if otherwise eligible, also receive hazard mitigation assistance for the same facility under the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Public Assistance program.
Latest Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.