About DECC

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) was created in October 2008, bringing together energy policy (previously with BERR - the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform) with climate change mitigation policy (previously with Defra - the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).

We face unprecedented challenges to our environment, our economy, and the future security of our energy supplies – and the decisions we make now will affect the planet and our way of life for generations to come. DECC exists to tackle these challenges. Our creation reflects the fact that climate change and energy policies are inextricably linked – two thirds of our emissions come from the energy we use. Decisions in one field cannot be made without considering the impacts in the other.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change is responsible for all aspects of UK energy policy, and for tackling global climate change. Broadly, what we do can be divided into four policy areas:

Global Climate Change and Energy
Working internationally to tackle the global challenge of climate change, and particularly to achieve international agreement at Copenhagen in December 2009; and, as the UK imports more energy, ensuring that our supplies are secure, reliable, and from diverse sources.

UK Energy Supply
Working to ensure that the UK continues to enjoy a diverse and low-carbon energy mix, delivered through a market framework to ensure competitive prices.

Supporting Consumers
Helping you save money and save the environment, including through improved energy efficiency, and addressing fuel poverty.

A Low Carbon UK
Moving towards a low-carbon economy, through carbon budgets and other mechanisms.