E3C - The Energy Emergencies Executive Committee

 

The Energy Emergencies Executive (E3) and its Committee (E3C) are the principal fora for identifying the processes and actions necessary to prevent and handle emergencies affecting the supply of gas and/or electricity to consumers in GB. They are key bodies for the Devolved Administrations, industry, regulators, other stakeholders and the UK Government to work together in building the resilience of energy supplies. The Terms of Reference for both bodies are approved by the Minister for Energy in the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

E3 is tasked with providing assurance to the Minister for Energy that adequate panindustry and government emergency planning arrangements are in place and all participants are suitably trained and exercised as appropriate. E3 sets the strategic direction for the work of E3C and oversees its work. E3 is chaired by a DECC Director with other members being Ofgem’s Chief Executive, together with the Chair and Deputy Chair of E3C. E3 meets at least twice per year.

The role of the Committee, subject to direction by the Executive, is to provide the primary working interface between the UK Government, the Devolved Administrations, regulators and industry with regard to all aspects of emergency planning and emergency arrangements relating to the supply of gas and/or electricity to consumers in GB. E3C reports to E3 and is the main forum for delivering the work programme, principally through a number of task groups, which currently comprise:

  • Electricity Task Group
  • Gas Task Group
  • Olympics Task Group
  • Security Task Group
  • Communications Task Group
  • Pandemic Steering Group

E3C is chaired by National Grid’s Network Operations Director, with members drawn from: DECC, National Grid, distribution companies, Ofgem, HSE, The Gas Industry Safety Group, Oil & Gas UK, AEP, ENA, ERA, Independent gas network operators, Gas Forum, Civil Contingencies Secretariat, Scottish Executive, Welsh Assembly, Consumer Focus, LNG Terminal Operators and other key industry stakeholders.