​​​​​FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Program is the main source of federal disaster funding utilized by electric cooperatives after a disaster is declared under the authorities of the Stafford Act. NRECA’s not-for-profit members are eligible for Public Assistance as utilities providing the “critical services” of electric power generation, transmission, and distribution. Without this assistance to help manage storm response and recovery expenses from natural disasters, many co-op consumer-members living in disaster-stricken areas would face significantly higher electric rates. NRECA supports legislation to improve the disaster declaration process and PA programs to help electric cooperatives receive consistent and timely reimbursement and strengthen the resilience of their electric systems through hazard mitigation activities. ​​

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