H.R.164 - Promoting Opportunities to Widen Electrical Resilience Act of 2025; POWER Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 164, the POWER Act of 2025, amends the Stafford Act to allow federal agencies to provide hazard mitigation assistance to electric utilities. This assistance can be used for cost-effective hazard mitigation activities in conjunction with power restoration efforts. The bill ensures that receiving assistance for emergency power restoration does not disqualify a facility from receiving hazard mitigation assistance under section 406 of the Stafford Act.
Expected Effects
The bill aims to improve the resilience of the electric grid by enabling utilities to undertake hazard mitigation projects. This will reduce the impact of future disasters. It also clarifies eligibility for hazard mitigation assistance, encouraging utilities to invest in resilience.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced electric grid resilience, reducing the frequency and duration of power outages during and after disasters.
- Cost savings by combining power restoration and hazard mitigation activities.
- Increased eligibility for federal assistance, encouraging utilities to invest in resilience measures.
- Reduced economic losses associated with power outages.
- Improved public safety and well-being during and after disasters.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased federal spending on hazard mitigation.
- Possible delays in power restoration if hazard mitigation activities are prioritized.
- Risk of inefficient allocation of resources if hazard mitigation projects are not properly evaluated.
- Potential for utilities to become overly reliant on federal assistance.
- The amendment only applies to amounts appropriated on or after the date of enactment of this Act.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the General Welfare Clause (Preamble). It promotes the general welfare by enhancing the resilience of critical infrastructure. Congress has the power to legislate in areas that provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States, as outlined in Article I, Section 8.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).