Energy Emergency Assurance Coordinators
Stored: Energy Emergency Assurance Coordinators
| Type | Program |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Organization | Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response |
| Top Organization | Department of Energy |
| Creation Legislation | None |
| Website | Website |
| Purpose | Energy Emergency Assurance Coordinators program links federal, state, and local groups to manage energy crises, boosting security through a coordinator network for info sharing and quick response. |
| Program Start | 2006 |
| Initial Funding | Not publicly specified |
| Duration | Ongoing |
| Historic | No |
The Energy Emergency Assurance Coordinators (EEAC) program is a Department of Energy initiative designed to strengthen energy emergency preparedness and response across the United States by linking federal officials with state and local counterparts. Established in 2006 and managed by the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER), it designates coordinators—typically from state energy offices, public utility commissions, or emergency management agencies—who serve as key contacts for sharing critical energy information during disruptions, such as hurricanes or cyberattacks.[1] With nearly 200 members as of recent updates, the program fosters a secure communication network via ISERnet, enhancing situational awareness and resilience nationwide.
Goals
- Establish a reliable network of state and federal contacts to coordinate energy emergency responses.
- Share real-time information on energy supply, demand, and infrastructure to improve decision-making during crises.
- Support state energy assurance planning and exercises to enhance preparedness and recovery.[2]
Organization
The Energy Emergency Assurance Coordinators program is overseen by CESER’s Infrastructure Security and Energy Restoration (ISER) Division within the Department of Energy. It is led by a Program Manager within CESER, who coordinates with state-designated EEACs and partner organizations like NASEO, NARUC, NGA, and NEMA.[3] Funding is provided through CESER’s budget, supporting training, ISERnet maintenance, and regional workshops, with states contributing by designating and supporting their coordinators.
Partners
- National Association of State Energy Officials
- National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners
- National Governors Association
- National Emergency Management Association
History
The EEAC program began in 2006 as a response to the need for better coordination following energy disruptions like Hurricane Katrina in 2005, building on earlier DOE-state collaborations.[4] It was formalized with an agreement signed in 2016 by Secretary Moniz and partner organizations, updated to reflect evolving threats like cybersecurity. Key developments include the 2017 expansion of EAGLE-I access to EEACs for improved situational awareness and ongoing drills, such as the 2022 NEMA Energy Workshop, refining response strategies. The program continues to grow, adapting to new energy security challenges.
Funding
Initial funding details from 2006 are not publicly specified, but the program has been sustained through CESER’s annual appropriations since its inception.[5] Costs cover ISERnet operations, training, and exercises, with no set end date as it remains integral to DOE’s emergency response framework. Additional support comes from state resources allocated to EEAC roles.
Implementation
The EEAC program operates via ISERnet, a secure platform where coordinators register and update contacts, enabling rapid information exchange during emergencies.[6] It rolls out through regular training, tabletop exercises—like the 2023 NEMA-DOE collaboration—and regional coordination, with no fixed end as it evolves with energy threats. States use EEAC data to refine energy assurance plans, tested in real events like the 2025 Southern California wildfires.
Related
External links
- https://www.energy.gov/ceser/energy-emergency-assurance-coordinators-eeac-program
- https://www.naseo.org/energy-emergency-assurance-coordinators-eeac
Social media
References
- ↑ "EEAC Program". Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/ceser/energy-emergency-assurance-coordinators-eeac-program.
- ↑ "EEAC Overview". National Association of State Energy Officials. https://www.naseo.org/energy-emergency-assurance-coordinators-eeac.
- ↑ "EEAC Program". Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/ceser/energy-emergency-assurance-coordinators-eeac-program.
- ↑ "EEAC Overview". National Association of State Energy Officials. https://www.naseo.org/energy-emergency-assurance-coordinators-eeac.
- ↑ "SLTT Program". Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/ceser/state-local-tribal-and-territorial-sltt-program.
- ↑ "EEAC Program". Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/ceser/energy-emergency-assurance-coordinators-eeac-program.