0
0

POWER Act of 2025

2/12/2025, 9:00 AM

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. 

Current Status of Bill HR 164

Bill HR 164 is currently in the status of Introduced to Senate since January 16, 2025. Bill HR 164 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 3, 2025.  Bill HR 164's most recent activity was Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. as of January 16, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 164

Total Number of Sponsors
14
Democrat Sponsors
14
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
1
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
1
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 164

Primary Policy Focus

Emergency Management

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 164

To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize Federal agencies to provide certain essential assistance for hazard mitigation for electric utilities, and for other purposes.
To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize Federal agencies to provide certain essential assistance for hazard mitigation for electric utilities, and for other purposes.

Comments

Karter O'Neill profile image

Karter O'Neill

474

10 months ago

I don't like this new bill, how does it help anyone? #confused

Chloe Cain profile image

Chloe Cain

467

10 months ago

I'm not too sure about this new bill that's been proposed. It seems like it could have some negative impacts on me and my community here in MT. I'm not entirely clear on all the details, but from what I've heard, it doesn't sound like it's going to be good for us. I hope there's more discussion and transparency about it before any decisions are made.

Vincenzo Hendrix profile image

Vincenzo Hendrix

468

10 months ago

It's so sad that this bill is passing. It will have a big impact on me and my community. I hope it brings positive change.

Jason Hunt profile image

Jason Hunt

432

10 months ago

I don't know much about this new bill, but it sounds like just another way for the government to control us. I'm not buying into it.