- What is the difference between energy security and energy infrastructure security? Elaborate.
Energy secured is said to be achieved when a continuous and uninterrupted availability of energy is provided. Moreover, the cost incurred for fulfilling the energy needs is within reasonable limits such that it is affordable for all . There are several aspects of energy security that can range from short-term to meet the immediate demands to long term to satisfy the present as well as future demands while keeping the reliability, economy and environmental parameters in consideration . Energy security focuses only on the supply of energy to various sectors for meeting their demands. However, energy infrastructure security deals with ensuring the durability and long-term usage of the sources of energy. Energy infrastructure security involves the identification and analysis of infrastructure vulnerabilities and development of the preventive measures. These preventive measures may include various programs such as the state-specific National Infrastructure Protection Program (NIPP).
- What governmental organization(s) is/are responsible for energy infrastructure security (be specific)?
Numerous sectors play an active role in the generation of energy, energy distribution, and information exchange as well as in the establishment of energy security. Electric power, petroleum and natural gas are the three prime energy resources around which the whole of energy sector revolves.
There are several Regional Reliability Councils set up by the Electric Reliability Corporation of the state that function to coordinate the asset owners in order to ensure reliable, adequate, and secure electricity supplies. The Nuclear Regulatory Commissions are responsible for the regulation of the nuclear industry. Also, the state army corps of engineers provides the necessary support for services such as pumping storage. Furthermore, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulate the transportation of petroleum by addressing he pipeline security . Other government bodies associated with the process include the following:-
- National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO)
- National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC)
- National Governors Association (NGA)
- National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)
- National Emergency Management Association (NEMA)
References
Bradshaw, M. (2010, December). Global Energy Security. Retrieved from Royal Geographical Society: http://www.rgs.org/
Energy. (2007, May). Retrieved from Homeland Security: http://www.naruc.org/
Energy Security. (2013). Retrieved from International energy Agency: http://www.iea.org/
Office of Electricity Delievery & Energy Security. (2013). Retrieved from US Department of Energy: http://energy.gov/
