Cabinet Decision No. (37) of 2009
Concerning the Establishment of the Emirates Water and Electricity Council
The Cabinet
Having reviewed the Constitution,
- And Federal Law No. (1) of 1972, concerning the competencies of ministries and the powers of ministers, and its amending laws,
- And Federal Law No. (31) of 1999 concerning the Federal Electricity and Water Authority,
- And Cabinet Decision No. (79 / 4) of 2001 concerning the project to connect the electrical grids in the State,
- And Cabinet Decision No. (11) of 2008 concerning the organizational structure of the Ministry of Energy,
- And the Ministerial Council for Development Decision No. (62 / 1) of 2009 approving the establishment of the Emirates Water and Electricity Council,
- And based on the submission of the Minister of Energy, and the approval of the Cabinet,
Has decided:
Article (1)
A council named the "Emirates Water and Electricity Council" shall be established, chaired by the Minister of Energy, with the membership of a representative at the level of Director-General from each of the following entities:
- Ministry of Energy.
- Ministry of Environment and Water.
- Federal Electricity and Water Authority.
- Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority.
- Dubai Electricity and Water Authority.
- Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority.
- Any other entities that the Cabinet decides to add to the Council based on the recommendation of the Council's Chairman.
The Council shall, in its first meeting, select from among its members a Vice-Chairman to act on behalf of the Chairman in his absence or in case his position becomes vacant.
Article (2)
The Council shall undertake the following tasks and responsibilities:
- Providing advice in all areas of interest to the water and electricity sectors in the State.
- Providing advice on the management, operation, and development of the Emirates National Grid project.
- Providing advice on technical, administrative, legal, and financial matters related to connecting the grids of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries with the national grid of the State.
- Coordinating conservation programs for water and electricity use through continuous awareness campaigns at the state level and promoting a culture of conservation.
- Coordinating the adoption of an integrated framework for managing desalination water resources in the State.
- Coordinating initiatives related to alternative and renewable energy.
- Exchanging and disseminating information, data, studies, reports, and recommendations.
- Encouraging electricity and water authorities to standardize technical specifications for electricity and water.
- Consulting on disputes that may arise between electricity and water authorities and investing companies in this field, with the aim of reaching appropriate solutions.
- Providing advice to ensure the establishment of a national water grid project for the State, similar to the Emirates National Grid project.
- Promoting joint projects between water and electricity authorities to enhance the production of electricity and water.
- Contributing to environmental preservation by proposing the enactment of legislation and imposing specific technologies during the construction of power plants to reduce polluting emissions.
- Any other matters related to the water and electricity sectors that the Chairman deems necessary to present to the Council.
Article (3)
A. The Council shall convene upon the invitation of the Chairman, or the Vice-Chairman in his absence, at least once every three months or whenever necessary. The legal quorum for its meetings shall be the attendance of the majority of its members, provided that the Chairman or Vice-Chairman is among them. Its decisions shall be taken by a majority vote of the members present.
B. The Chairman of the Council shall appoint a coordinator for the Council, who will be responsible for preparing for its sessions, following up on invitations to its meetings, maintaining its records and registers, recording its decisions, and following up on their implementation.
Article (4)
The Council may form committees from among its members to carry out specific tasks. It may also assign some of its work-related tasks to any of its members. It may seek the assistance of experts from relevant federal ministries, authorities, and institutions to study any topics related to its tasks.
Article (5)
The Chairman of the Council shall submit a semi-annual report to the Cabinet, detailing the Council's achievements and its efforts in coordination and development, including any proposals it deems appropriate to achieve its objectives.
Article (6)
The term of the Council shall be three years, and it shall be reconstituted by a decision of the Cabinet.
Article (7)
The concerned authorities shall coordinate and cooperate with the Council to ensure the achievement of the purposes for which it was established.
Article (8)
Any provision or decision that contradicts or conflicts with the provisions of this Decision shall be repealed.
Article (9)
This Decision shall be published in the Official Gazette and shall come into effect from the date of its issuance.
Issued by us in Abu Dhabi
On: 21 / Dhu al-Qi'dah / 1430 H
Corresponding to: 9 / November / 2009 AD.
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Prime Minister