POWER Act of 2025

Bill Number: H.R. 164
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Emergency Management
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2025-01-16: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Last Updated: 2026-07-10T20:08:23Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Promoting Opportunities to Widen Electrical Resilience Act of 2025 (POWER Act of 2025) aims to improve the resilience of electric power systems by allowing federal disaster assistance to support hazard mitigation activities for electric utilities. It seeks to enable quicker and more effective recovery from disasters while preventing future damage to power infrastructure.

Key Provisions

Combined Activities for Restoration and Mitigation: Electric utilities can perform cost-effective hazard mitigation (actions to reduce future disaster risks, such as reinforcing power lines or installing protective equipment) alongside emergency power restoration efforts. This uses federal assistance provided under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act), which covers essential emergency services during disasters.
Preserved Eligibility for Additional Aid: If an electric utility receives federal help for emergency power restoration, it remains eligible for separate hazard mitigation funding under Section 406 of the Stafford Act, which funds long-term improvements to protect against future disasters.
Applicability: These changes apply only to federal funds appropriated (allocated by Congress) on or after the date the Act is enacted.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The Act amends Section 403 of the Stafford Act (42 U.S.C. 5170b) by adding a new subsection (e) specifically for electric utilities.
Previously, emergency restoration aid under Section 403 might have limited access to broader mitigation funding under Section 406. This bill removes that barrier, allowing integrated efforts without forfeiting future eligibility.
No changes are made to the overall structure of the Stafford Act, but it expands how utilities can use emergency funds.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which administers Stafford Act programs, may see increased coordination with electric utilities for disaster response. This could streamline aid distribution but require updated guidelines for approving combined projects.
On Citizens: Improved power grid resilience could reduce outage durations and frequency after disasters like hurricanes or wildfires, enhancing public safety, economic stability, and access to essential services (e.g., hospitals, water systems).
On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as the Act focuses on domestic disaster relief; however, it could indirectly support U.S. energy security, which has broader geopolitical implications for energy-dependent alliances.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Electric Utilities: Primary beneficiaries, gaining flexibility to invest in preventive measures using federal aid, potentially lowering long-term repair costs.
Federal and State Governments: Agencies like FEMA and state emergency management offices will handle implementation, possibly facing administrative adjustments.
Local Communities and Businesses: Indirectly affected through more reliable electricity, reducing economic disruptions from power failures.
Taxpayers: May see efficient use of federal disaster funds, though increased spending on mitigation could influence budget priorities.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Strengthens the Stafford Act's framework for critical infrastructure without altering core eligibility rules, promoting efficiency in federal spending. It avoids conflicts with existing environmental or regulatory laws governing utilities.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause to regulate interstate infrastructure like power grids and provide disaster aid; no apparent challenges to federalism, as it builds on established cooperative federal-state disaster programs.
Political: Could appeal to bipartisan interests in infrastructure resilience and climate adaptation, potentially influencing future disaster policy debates. It highlights a focus on energy security amid rising extreme weather events, but may spark discussions on federal aid prioritization for private utilities.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Hoyle, Val T. [D-OR-4]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4]

Recent Actions

2025-01-16: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
2025-01-15: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2025-01-15: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 419 - 2 (Roll no. 13). (text: 1/13/2025 CR H103) (Roll call 13)
2025-01-15: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 419 - 2 (Roll no. 13). (text: 1/13/2025 CR H103) (Roll call 13)
2025-01-15: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H168-169)
2025-01-13: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
2025-01-13: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 164.
2025-01-13: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H103-104)
2025-01-13: Mr. Graves moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
2025-01-04: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
2025-01-03: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
2025-01-03: Introduced in House
2025-01-03: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Promoting Opportunities to Widen Electrical Resilience Act of 2025 — issued 2025-01-15 — PDF (4 pages)
Promoting Opportunities to Widen Electrical Resilience Act of 2025 — issued 2025-01-03 — PDF (2 pages)
Promoting Opportunities to Widen Electrical Resilience Act of 2025 — issued 2025-01-16 — PDF (3 pages)