FEMA Reform
Modernizing Disaster Recovery for Public Power
The Issue
Public power utilities are on the front lines when hurricanes, floods, wildfires, winter storms, and other disasters damage the electric grid. Restoring power is essential to public safety, economic recovery, and community stability.
FEMA is a critical partner in that recovery, but its current processes are too slow, inconsistent, and difficult to apply to electric utilities. Public power utilities often face unpredictable reimbursement decisions, outdated “like-for-like” rebuilding rules, and separate mitigation approval tracks that can delay permanent repairs and increase customer costs.
Our Position
Pass H.R. 4669 and Strengthen It for Public Power
LPPC supports passage of H.R. 4669, the bipartisan Fixing Emergency Management for Americans Act, and urges Congress to strengthen it for public power utilities.
H.R. 4669 would move FEMA toward a project-based Public Assistance program, establish clearer timelines, modernize procurement rules, and help communities rebuild damaged infrastructure faster. LPPC supports these reforms and recommends targeted improvements to ensure they work for electric utilities.
Reimburse Prudent
Pre-Positioning
Reasonable costs to stage crews, materials, and equipment before a forecasted disaster should be eligible for reimbursement, even if the storm shifts and those resources are not ultimately used.
Create a Utility-Focused FEMA Unit
FEMA should have permanent utility expertise to improve consistency, reduce delays, and lower compliance costs for both FEMA and utility applicants.
Recognize Utility Standards in Statute
Electric utilities should be able to rebuild damaged grid infrastructure to current utility standards, not just local building codes or outdated like-for-like designs.
What’s at Stake
When FEMA processes delay reimbursement or force utilities to rebuild to outdated standards, costs fall on local customers and communities remain more vulnerable.
FEMA reform can help public power utilities restore service faster, reduce repeat damage, protect customers, and preserve accountability for federal funds.
