Power providers would report preventive shutoffs to the Energy Department

Covered power providers would report preventive safety shutoffs to the Energy Department. Coverage includes utilities serving at least 25,000 customers, smaller utilities conducting shutoffs in areas the Energy Secretary designates at high risk of wildfire or related natural hazards, and other owners or operators of power distribution facilities conducting shutoffs. Reporting covers temporary power cuts meant to prevent wildfire or other immediate safety hazards arising from electric infrastructure. The Energy Secretary would issue rules within 12 months after enactment.

The Energy Department would publish summaries and accept verified feedback from local governments and Tribal entities. Summaries would show shutoff frequency, length, and regional trends, with information on effects in rural, low-income, and Tribal areas when available. The Energy Secretary could delay or withhold publication to protect security or other sensitive information.

Government agencies would shield utility reports from public records requests and restrict their use. Published summaries would fall outside these protections. Direct use of reports submitted in good faith in civil lawsuits would require the utility’s written consent. Without consent, federal use and disclosure would generally be limited to emergency planning or public safety coordination, with exceptions for criminal investigations or prosecutions and disclosures to Congress or its auditor. State and local agencies could use reports only for emergency planning or public safety coordination.