The National Energy Commission (NEC; ) is an interdepartmental coordinating agency of the State Council that coordinates the overall energy policies for the People's Republic of China. The body includes 23 members from other agencies such as environment, finance, central bank, National Development and Reform Commission. The purpose of this new commission is to draft a new energy development strategy, evaluate energy security and coordinate international cooperation on climate change, carbon reduction and energy efficiency.

History

China had a Ministry of Energy established in 1988 but it was disbanded five years after its portfolio overlapped with existing ministries. In 2003, National Energy Bureau was created under the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) which reports to the Chinese State Council, which has broad administrative and planning control over energy in the Chinese economy. In 2008, National Energy Administration (NEA) was established but lacked power to carry out its tasks because the energy sector management was spread between various agencies. China has experienced power outages, concerns of growing imported energy demands, energy security and challenges coordinating energy supply and demand. The NEC was established in 2010 to elevate the role of energy policy and security in Chinese policymaking.

Functions

The NEC is the top State Council agency responsible for China's energy policy. It is responsible for energy decision-making, formulating development strategies related to energy, and coordinating domestic energy development as well as international cooperation on energy. The General Office of the NEC is located in the National Development and Reform Commission, with the NDRC chairman usually serving as the NEC Office director.

Membership

The NEC is usually chaired by the premier, with the first-ranking vice premier serving as its vice chairman.

List of Chairmen

Current membership