Utilities face growing role in emergency preparedness
April 24, 2025Federal policy shift highlights need for updated local plans
Public power utilities may soon bear more responsibility when disaster strikes.
In March, President Trump signed an Executive Order titled, “Achieving Efficiency Through State and Local Preparedness.”
The EO emphasizes a shift toward state and local responsibility for disaster preparedness. It argues that those closest to the ground are best equipped to assess risks.
Congress recently introduced legislation which would provide more support to states and local utilities, offering flexible and sustainable disaster recovery efforts.
Together, the actions point to a major shift in how the U.S. approaches emergency preparedness: less federal control, more local responsibility.
To keep pace with the changes, public power will need to be ready. In support, American Public Power Association (APPA) is surveying utilities to understand local plans and needs.
Executive Order signals pivot
The EO calls for a federal role that supports–rather than leads–resilience efforts. It directs the federal government to review all national preparedness and response policies.
They must then make recommendations on revising or replacing those programs to put greater responsibility on state and local governments.
It also calls for a National Resilience Strategy, a National Critical Infrastructure Policy, and a National Risk Register. These tools will replace a broad, all-hazard approach with more targeted, risk-based planning.
Implementation should happen within one year. The policies could mean reduced federal funding and operational support during disasters.
Congress advances resilience legislation
In April, Congress introduced measures that align with the push for more local control.
S. 1429, the Promoting Opportunities to Widen Electrical Resilience (POWER) Act, would help communities recover from disasters and make investments to become more resilient in the future.
Under the bill, communities could make hazard mitigation improvements during disaster recovery and would not be precluded from hazard mitigation funding for systems rebuilt during that time.
The POWER Act alleviates the tough choice between immediate response and long-term investments, allowing more of the funds to be used for their intended purposes – recovery from, and mitigation against, disasters.
The bill is the Senate companion to H.R. 164, which was passed by the House 419-2 in January.
H.R. 2836, the FEMA Loan Payment Interest Relief Act, was also recently introduced. The purpose is to have FEMA pay the interest on loans taken out to cover utility-related disaster recovery costs that FEMA itself will eventually reimburse.
Both bills aim to give local entities more flexibility and support as they prepare for and recover from emergencies.
Industry preparation
APPA has endorsed both measures and is working with stakeholders to support their passage. APPA is also taking steps to assess and support emergency readiness within the industry.
Through its Mutual Aid Committee, APPA is surveying utilities of all sizes to gather information on current Emergency Action Plans. The effort aims to identify gaps and best practices in local preparedness.
Survey responses are anonymous and due by Thursday, May 15.
APPA will share its findings on its Engage platform and in a follow-up webinar.
The data will guide new tools, training, and resources for utilities. These efforts aim to improve emergency planning and build a stronger, more resilient public power network.