Congressman Vern Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and co-chair of Florida’s bipartisan congressional delegation, has introduced new legislation aimed at supporting disaster recovery and lowering power costs in hurricane-affected areas. The Disaster Zone Energy Affordability and Investment Act was announced with Congressman Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and a group of bipartisan colleagues. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
The proposed bill would allow electric utilities operating in federally declared disaster zones to transfer certain general business credit carryforwards to future years. This measure is intended to help communities recover more quickly after major storms by making it easier for utilities to invest in repairs while keeping energy costs down.
“After devastating hurricanes like Helene and Milton, Florida families are trying to rebuild, and high power bills are the last thing they need,” said Buchanan. “The Disaster Zone Energy Affordability and Investment Act gives electric utilities the flexibility they need to restore service faster following major disasters while passing savings on to consumers. By allowing electric utilities in disaster zones to transfer existing tax credits, this bill frees up capital to invest in recovery and repair damaged energy infrastructure. Our bill helps communities recover stronger and prepares Florida for the next hurricane season.”
Steube added, “Natural disasters and emergencies often complicate the delivery of public utilities including electricity. My bill would increase financial flexibility and savings for producers and customers alike by making the tax code more responsive to on-the-ground needs of Americans living in disaster zones. From reducing the cost of storm restoration efforts to guaranteeing market liquidity in disaster areas, the Disaster Zone Energy Affordability and Investment Act will better prepare Florida for the next hurricane season.”
Other lawmakers joining Buchanan and Steube as sponsors include Representatives Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.), Pat Harrigan (R-N.C.), Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), Greg Murphy (R-N.C.), Terri A. Sewell (D-Ala.), and Darren Soto (D-Fla.).
Florida Power & Light Company as well as Duke Energy have expressed support for the legislation.
Armando Pimentel, CEO of Florida Power & Light, stated: “The Disaster Zone Energy Affordability and Investment Act provides a smart, practical way to accelerate recovery in communities impacted by major storms. This legislation will help speed the rebuilding of critical energy infrastructure and help reduce costs for customers. We appreciate Congressman Buchanan’s leadership in advancing win-win solutions that help disaster-stricken communities rebuild faster and more affordably.”
Buchanan has previously taken steps to support Florida communities recovering from hurricanes. In 2024, he led a letter signed by all members of Florida’s congressional delegation urging President Biden to approve Governor DeSantis’ request for an expedited Major Disaster Declaration after Hurricane Milton. He also led a bipartisan letter later that year calling for additional funding for the Small Business Administration’s disaster loan program.
Vern Buchanan currently represents Florida’s 16th district in Congress since replacing Katherine Harris in 2007; he previously served in the Florida House of Representatives. Born in Detroit, Michigan, he now lives in Sarasota. He holds degrees from Cleary University and University of Detroit Mercy.
