Summary of Bill HR 164
Bill 119 hr 164, also known as the Electric Utility Hazard Mitigation Act, aims to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to allow Federal agencies to offer critical assistance for hazard mitigation specifically for electric utilities. This assistance would help these utilities better prepare for and respond to disasters and emergencies, ultimately improving their resilience and ability to provide essential services to the public.
The bill recognizes the importance of electric utilities in maintaining the functioning of society during times of crisis, such as natural disasters or other emergencies. By providing support for hazard mitigation efforts, the government can help prevent or minimize the impact of such events on the electric grid, ensuring that power can be restored quickly and efficiently.
In addition to supporting electric utilities, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes related to disaster relief and emergency assistance. These additional measures are aimed at improving overall disaster response and recovery efforts, making communities more resilient in the face of future disasters.
Overall, Bill 119 hr 164 seeks to enhance the ability of electric utilities to withstand and recover from disasters, while also bolstering broader disaster relief and emergency assistance efforts. By authorizing Federal agencies to provide essential assistance for hazard mitigation, the bill aims to better protect the public and ensure the continued functioning of critical infrastructure during times of crisis.
Congressional Summary of HR 164
Promoting Opportunities to Widen Electrical Resilience Act of 2025 or the POWER Act of 2025
This 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.