China announces overhaul of energy agencies, management

Source: Xinhua | 03-11-2008 17:06

BEIJING, March 11 (Xinhua) -- China announced on Tuesday an integration of its energy management supervision and policies, functions that are currently dispersed among many government agencies, through the establishment of a high-level coordinating commission to be called the National Energy Commission (NEC).

The NEC will be responsible for studying and drafting energy development strategy and considering energy security and development issues, Hua Jianmin, secretary-general of the State Council, said at the annual session of China's top legislature.

A national energy bureau under the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) would be established as a standing body to undertake the NEC's day-to-day, Hua said.

Energy-related institutions and functions belonging to the NDRC, the National Energy Leading Group (NELG) and the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense would be integrated into the new bureau, he said.

The bureau would draw up and implement energy industry programs, policies and standards, promote new and alternative forms of energy and encourage conservation, he said.

The bureau would be supervised by the NDRC to ensure the close coordination of energy management with national economic and social development programs and macro-control policies, he said.

The NELG and its executive organs will be disbanded, Hua said.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei