About WEC

How to join WEC

Individuals, companies, government agencies, and other organisations may join WEC in one of two ways:

The World Energy Council (WEC) is made up of national Member Committees rather than direct individual, organisational or corporate members. Therefore, the first step for a country interested in joining membership of WEC is to establish a Member Committee, which should represent the widest possible range of energy interests in the country and which might include representatives from energy companies, Government ministries, state-owned energy providers, research institutions and/or academics.

To receive additional information or answer any questions you may have about WEC membership or discuss the possibility of membership for your country, contact the Director, Member Services, in the WEC London office by telephoning +44 20 7734 5996 or by emailing info@worldenergy.org. A membership kit and brochure providing full details of the membership application process is available on request.

Applications by prospective Member Committees to join WEC are reviewed and approved by the Executive Assembly. Admission is decided by a majority vote of the members of the Executive Assembly, either at the annual meeting or by postal ballot.

Organising a Member Committee

First Steps

• Review the WEC Memorandum and Articles of Association to ensure your Committee understands its obligations as a WEC member. Copies are available from the London office.

• Bring together energy leaders in your country to determine their interest and secure their support to form a Member Committee.

• Contact the Director, Member Services, who can provide advice and assistance with the membership application process.

Financial Matters

• Consider your financial obligation to WEC, which consists of an annual subscription fee ranging from £6,256 to £47,134 per annum (current range). The formula for determining a country's annual subscription is set by all WEC members through the Executive Assembly and is based on statistical data which includes country income levels, growth, and size/production output of energy industry.

• Note that subscription invoices are issued in December and are due by the following January 31. The Executive Assembly has the authority to remove from membership any Committee whose subscription is delinquent.

• Plan how your Committee will fund other WEC commitments, including the costs of participating in the World Energy Congress, Executive Assembly, and other WEC meetings and events. The World Energy Council provides no financial support to its Member Committees.

• Assess funding options. Member Committees may be financed in a variety of ways, but most depend on member contributions for a substantial portion of their funding.

Organisation and Structure

• Decide how your Committee will be organised. It may be incorporated, set up as a not-for-profit association, or structured in whatever manner best conforms to the civil and tax laws and the practices in your country.

• Select a Chairman and Secretary for your Committee. Some administrative work will be required of both officers, so it is advisable to choose individuals who are willing to provide this, either directly or through the support of their organisation. The Committee may also designate other officers and/or a board to support its work.

Responsibilities of Officers

• Chairman's responsibilities include representing the Member Committee at the annual Executive Assembly; attending meetings of Member Committee chairs; convening and chairing meetings of the Committee; recruiting new members; ensuring the annual subscription is paid in a timely fashion and carrying out other duties as required.

• Secretary's responsibilities include day-to-day administration of the Committee; keeping accurate records of Committee membership and notifying the London office of changes; representing the Member Committee at the annual Executive Assembly and the WEC Secretaries' meeting; providing data in support of WEC Studies, Programmes and Regional Work Programmes; preparing an annual activity report for submission to the WEC London office; and carrying out other duties as required.

Making an Application

• Send a formal letter of application to the Secretary General in London once your Committee structure is in place, with a firm commitment of support from the various energy sectors. Include the following:

  • Name of your proposed Member Committee;
  • Composition of your Committee: officers, board (if any), membership by company/institution/etc.;
  • Confirmation that your Member Committee is prepared to accept its financial obligations and supports the objectives set out in the WEC Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Notification of Approval

Once the Executive Assembly has voted on your membership application, you will be formally notified by the Secretary General. Your Chairman and Secretary (and other representatives of your Committee, if desired) should plan to attend the next Executive Assembly (held during the fourth quarter of the year) to be formally received into membership.

Questions?

Contact Ms. Emily Melton, Director, Member Services, Finance & Administration, at:

World Energy Council
Regency House
1-4 Warwick Street
London W1B 5LT
United Kingdom
Tel: +(44 20) 7734 5996
Fax: +(4420) 7734 5926
E-mail: melton@worldenergy.org