Reps. Frost and González-Colón Introduce the Energy Storage for Resilient Homes Act to Save Lives During Hurricanes and Extreme Weather
The Bipartisan Legislation Will Allow FEMA to Cover of the Cost of Home Energy Batteries to Power People’s Homes During Storms and Power Outages
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL) and Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR) announced the introduction of their bipartisan bill, the Energy Storage for Resilient Homes Act, legislation that would allow Floridians to use FEMA disaster mitigation funding to purchase home energy storage batteries to power their homes during natural disasters, saving folks hundreds or even thousands of dollars and more importantly, potentially saving lives.
With Americans in the Sunshine State and Puerto Rico most vulnerable to some of the worst storms and natural disasters our country has seen, Frost and González-Colón want to ensure that every person and family has access to home energy storage batteries that can help make their homes more resilient during emergency weather.
The legislation would call on FEMA to provide grants for folks looking to purchase a home battery power, which would help make sure that when severe weather hits and neighborhoods and communities lose power, Floridians can use a home energy battery to keep the power on, air conditioning running, food fresh, and essential medications and medical equipment safe.
“Sometimes the most dangerous part of a hurricane isn’t the storm itself, but what happens when that storm hits: people’s homes lose power, which means that air conditioners stop working, fridges stop cooling, necessary medical equipment stop running, and food and medicine go bad. It’s a dangerous chain of events that can cost thousands of dollars and endanger the lives of everyone, especially vulnerable seniors,” said Rep. Maxwell Frost. “Congresswoman González-Colón and I know all too well what it means when a natural disaster hits our community. It’s time for FEMA to help cover the costs so that every household in need can better prepare for the next tropical storm and keep their homes safe and running.”
“This bipartisan bill addresses one aspect of recovery and mitigation work for families that we have found to be quite significant. In the case of Puerto Rico, the consequences of loss of electrical service for aspects such as life-sustainment equipment and for refrigeration of food, medication and perishable health supplies such as insulins were a known factor in the mortality of thousands during the power system collapse following Hurricane María. This especially affected senior citizens and rural residents who were not in a position of equipping their homes with power backup and storage resources,” said Rep. González-Colón. “Having this program incorporated in FEMA’s mitigation mission would expand the number of homes that can access the technology. I am glad to continue working in a bipartisan manner with Congressman Frost to address the needs of vulnerable residents in our districts that are exposed to major natural disasters.”
The Energy Storage for Resilient Homes Act has been endorsed by the Senior Resource Alliance, United Solar Neighbors, International Association of Fire Fighters, Home Care Association of Florida, and the Community Dream Foundation.
“Keeping the power on when disasters strike means keeping people safe,” said Heaven Campbell, Florida Program Director, Solar United Neighbors. “Battery storage is a vital preparedness tool. The investments in this bill will help more families protect themselves during emergencies, allowing them to keep medicine cold or medical devices on. Batteries are beneficial in calm times as well. Pairing them with solar panels allows users to take control of where their energy comes from while making electric service less expensive and more reliable for all of us.”
“As the voice for home care in Florida, the Home Care Association of Florida (HCAF) strongly supports Congressman Frost's Energy Storage for Resilient Homes Act. This legislation is crucial for enhancing the resilience and sustainability of our homes, especially for our senior population. Home energy storage systems ensure that seniors have continuous access to essential power for medical equipment, communication devices, and other vital needs during emergencies. By providing financial assistance for these systems, this bill not only promotes seniors' safety and well-being but also supports their independence and desire to age in place. We commend Congressman Frost for his leadership on this important issue and are proud to endorse this legislation,” said Denise Bellville, RN, BS, COS-C, Executive Director, Home Care Association of Florida.
“Congressman Maxwell Frost’s Home Energy Storage Bill is a crucial step towards enhancing our energy security, especially for elderly populations. According to a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, residential energy storage can reduce power outages by up to 80%, significantly benefiting those most vulnerable. At Community Dreams Foundation, we will support this initiative with data research and impact reporting along with providing access to education and resources. We look forward to doing whatever we can to ensure a collaborative and swift passage of this bill,” said Dion Richardson, President of Community Dreams Foundation.
“We are grateful to Representatives Frost and González-Colón for introducing the Energy Storage for Resilient Homes Act,” said Edward A. Kelly, General President of the IAFF. “During emergencies, power outages can mean the difference between life and death. This bill will significantly reduce the strain on local emergency services. By ensuring homes have backup power, it helps prevent the cascade of medical emergencies that can overwhelm first responders’ resources. This legislation is crucial for our firefighters, who are stretched thin, and it enhances neighborhood resilience, making our communities safer and better prepared for the inevitable disasters ahead.”
“We’ve seen firsthand the damage that natural disasters can have on our community’s most vulnerable populations – both in the immediate aftermath and in the long road to recovery,” said Karla Radka, president and CEO of Senior Resource Alliance. “For seniors, losing access to electricity, vital supplies and medical care can have detrimental effects. Congressman Frost's Energy Storage for Resilient Homes Act presents a critical opportunity to safeguard lives in emergencies. As Central Florida’s Area Agency on Aging, we fully support this essential legislation."
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