January 31, 2011

The Department's Implementation of the "Energy Annex, Emergency Support Function 12" to the National Response Framework

As required by the National Response Framework (NRF), the Department of Energy, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), plays an active role in responding to national-level disasters and emergencies. As described in the "Energy Annex, Emergency Support Function" (ESF-12) to the NRF, the Department is responsible for serving as the focal point to assist Federal, state and local governments, and private industry with the disruption, preparation and mitigation of damaged energy systems and components. Within the Department, the Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (OE) executes the national preparedness mission. This office deploys response teams to affected areas to: 1) facilitate restoration of damaged energy systems and components; 2) conduct assessments; and, 3) provide energy status reports. The Department maintains and can dispatch up to 10 regional coordinators, supplemented by over 80 Federal and contractor employee volunteers, in response to incidents requiring a coordinated Federal Response.

Topic: National Security & Safety