Power companies use a variety of funds and resources to pay for power line companies in a disaster, including:
Disaster funds
Power companies have funds that come from customers' electricity bills to pay for repair crews and equipment. If the fund doesn't have enough money, the company can ask the state for more.
Mutual aid networks
Utilities can sign up for mutual aid networks to help each other in times of need. The network coordinates the sharing of employees and contractors between utilities.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
FEMA can provide assistance and reimbursement to public power utilities for major disasters.