A RESOLUTION adjourning the House of Representatives in honor of Kentucky's rural electric cooperative utility workers who provided vital support during the deadly tornado that devastated Kentucky on May 16, 2025.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kim King and 1 co-sponsor

Kentucky recognizes and honors rural electric cooperative workers and related entities for their rapid, life-saving power restoration after the May 16, 2025 tornado.

adopted by voice vote

#commendationsandrecognitions #energy #publicutilities

Summary of HR 63 (2026RS) — Kentucky

Purpose and intent

HR 63 is a resolutive measure that adjourns the Kentucky House of Representatives in honor of Kentucky’s rural electric cooperative utility workers.

The bill recognizes and commemorates the vital support provided by these workers in response to the deadly tornado that struck Kentucky on May 16, 2025.

Key provisions and changes

Section 1: A formal expression of appreciation for the dedicated service, rapid deployment, and life-saving actions of rural electric cooperative utility workers during and after the May 16, 2025 storm.

Section 2: Upon adjournment for the day, the House adjourns in honor of Kentucky’s rural electric cooperatives’ utility workers.

Section 3: Directs the Clerk of the House to transmit a copy of the resolution to Representative Derek Lewis for delivery to East Kentucky Power Cooperative, Big Rivers Electric Corporation, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and their owner-member rural electric cooperatives.

Who is affected

Primarily symbolic recognition affecting:

East Kentucky Power Cooperative
Big Rivers Electric Corporation
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and their owner-member rural electric cooperatives

Acknowledges the crews (linemen, substation technicians, engineers, dispatchers, and support staff) who applied their skills during the storm and subsequent power restoration efforts.

Background/context and impact

The May 16, 2025 tornado was an EF-4 event with peak winds around 179 mph, causing extensive damage across Kentucky and neighboring states.

The storm damaged a large portion of electrical infrastructure, leading to widespread power outages and necessitating cross-cooperative mutual aid.

The resolution emphasizes the extraordinary effort of rural electric cooperative personnel who, despite fatigue and dangerous conditions, completed power restoration by May 19, 2025.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction: February 9, 2026.

Referred to the House Committee on Committees (H) for consideration.

Floor action: Adopted by voice vote on March 25, 2026.

Final status: The bill is a ceremonial resolution; it does not create statutory changes or funding, but serves to honor and recognize specific workers and organizations.

Practical takeaway

HR 63 provides formal, commemorative recognition from the Kentucky House of Representatives for rural electric cooperative workers and associated entities for their role in emergency response and power restoration following a devastating tornado.

The resolution underscores the cooperative spirit and public service ethos in Kentucky’s electric utility sector.