The Department of Energy (DoE) in Abu Dhabi has adopted the ?Business Continuity Policy? for the energy sector, which seeks to enhance performance and ensure a safe and sustainable supply in the energy sector
The policy is part of the Department?s efforts to increase preparedness among entities operating within the energy sector to deal with emergencies and crises, in accordance with the standards set by the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority.
The decision also included cancelling the instructions for business continuity management for drinking water, electricity and sanitation services, issued by the regulation and supervision Bureau in 2014 and all the associated guidelines.
The Business Continuity Policy is one of the first regulations issued by the DoE since its establishment in February of this year. The Department is tasked with ensuring the effective management of emergencies, crises and disasters for the energy sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, in accordance with the provisions of Law No (11) of 2018 on the Establishment of the Department of Energy, as well as federal and local legislation governing business continuity and management of emergencies, crises and disasters.
The adoption of the Policy follows extensive deliberations and coordination efforts with all entities operating in the energy sector across the emirate. The Department of Energy organised several workshops in September and December 2018 to discuss the challenges facing the ?Business Continuity Management Programme,? as well as draft regulations for the continuity of the energy sector.
Awaidha Murshed Al Marar, chairman of the Department of Energy in Abu Dhabi, said, ?Adopting the Business Continuity Policy and cancelling the instructions issued back in 2014 form part of our efforts to upgrade the energy sector in Abu Dhabi and establish a unified ecosystem that manages business continuity in the industry, in close coordination with local and federal entities operating in the sector.?
?This, in turn, ensures a sustainable world-class supply of energy services for companies and individuals, facilitating the adoption of advanced technologies and smart services,? Al Marar added.
The Department of Energy will be tasked with overseeing the implementation procedures and ensuring that business continuity standards are maintained, in accordance with the mechanisms outlined in the Policy.
