POWER Act of 2025

Summary#

This bill amends section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. It adds a new subsection that lets electric utilities use federal emergency assistance to carry out cost-effective hazard mitigation activities at the same time as restoring power. It also says that if an electric utility gets assistance under section 403 for emergency power restoration, that receipt will not make the utility ineligible for hazard mitigation assistance under section 406 for which it otherwise qualifies. The change applies only to amounts appropriated on or after the date the bill becomes law.

What it means for you#

• Electric utilities can do hazard mitigation work together with emergency power restoration when they get federal help under section 403.
• Getting emergency restoration assistance under section 403 will not prevent a utility from later getting hazard mitigation assistance under section 406 if it is eligible.
• The new rules only apply to federal money appropriated on or after the bill becomes law.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on estimated costs or budget effects is included in the provided materials. The amendment applies only to amounts appropriated on or after the date of enactment.

Proponents' View#

The bill’s short title is the "Promoting Opportunities to Widen Electrical Resilience Act of 2025," which frames the measure as supporting electrical resilience. The bill was introduced in the House by Representatives Val Hoyle and Mike Ezell.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information on objections, opposition, or concerns is included in the provided materials.