FEMA’s Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power Pilot Program

Thirteen days after Hurricane Sandy’s landfall, 166,649 residential customers across three States - New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut - remained without power, in large part because of damage to their electrical systems, which prevented the electric utility companies from restoring power to their homes. Without additional government assistance, many of these homes could be without power during winter months, thus creating an immediate and undue threat to public health and safety. In response to this need, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) established the Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power (STEP) pilot program, enabling residents to return to or remain in their homes as a form of shelter while permanent repairs are completed. This pr ogram will reduce the number of people in shelters or in the Transitional Shelter Assistance Program.