To draft laws and regulations concerning the supervision and administration of energy development; draft and organize the implementation of development strategies, plans and policies related to the development of energy industry; promote the institutional reform of the industry; draft reform proposals; and coordinate major issues concerning the process of energy development and reform.

To formulate industrial policies and standards related to coal, petroleum, natural gas, electricity, new energy, renewable resources, the petroleum refining industry, the coal-made fuel industry, and the fuel alcohol industry; examine, approve and verify the investment in fixed energy assets within the jurisdiction; guide and coordinate energy development in rural areas;

To promote equipment R & D and significant scientific programs; promote scientific and technological advancement related to the energy industry; organize, coordinate and guide demonstration projects; promote and apply new products, technology and equipment.

To manage nuclear power; draft and implement guidelines, criteria and technical standards for the development of nuclear power; propose layouts of nuclear power plants; provide audit opinions about major projects; organize, coordinate and guide scientific research of nuclear power; take precautions to prevent or deal with nuclear accidents; create and regulate an emergency management system;

To be responsible for energy conservation and integrated use of natural resources; participate in analyzing and setting minimum-cost goals for energy consumption; guide, supervise and control total consumption of energy; rationalize energy production; and achieve balance between supply and demand.

To predict and alert the relevant authorities about any energy crisis; release information related to energy; participate in coordinating and responding to any crisis; assure energy security; draft, implement and regulate guidelines and policies on national reserves of petroleum and natural gas; monitor the supply and demand of domestic and foreign markets; provide advice on national reserves and utilization of petroleum and natural gas; organize and implement the suggestions; examine, approve or check programs of petroleum and natural gas reserves within the jurisdiction; supervise and regulate the reserves of petroleum and natural gas.

To supervise, regulate and standardize the electricity market; supervise and examine power rates; set prices for ancillary electricity services; analyze and provide advice on general electricity services; take charge of administration and law enforcement concerning the electricity industry; and ensure the quality of oil-gas pipeline equipment.

To supervise and regulate the safety and reliability of electricity production; take action during any electricity emergencies; formulate rules and regulations of operational security and engineering quality in terms of the electricity industry - except for the use of nuclear power; issue administrative permission according to the law; organize or participate in the investigation of safety mishaps during electricity production.

To organize and promote international cooperation on energy development; negotiate and sign contracts with departments and organizations from overseas; coordinate the exploitation and utilization of energy outside China; and examine and approve major overseas energy investment projects.

To participate in formulating policies on energy, natural resources, finance and taxation, environmental protection, and solutions to climate change; provide advice on price regulation and total quantity of importation and exportation.

To undertake specific tasks entrusted by the National Energy Commission; take charge of the general coordination of development strategies and policy decisions on energy development; provide services to ensure energy security; and promote the establishment and improvement of an interactive coordination mechanism.

To undertake other tasks as requested by the State Council, the National Energy Commission, and the National Development and Reform Commission.