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.
