1. Chapter 1 – Introduction Vladimir Markhonko United Nations Statistics Division The 4 th meeting of the Oslo Group on energy statistics Ottawa, Canada, 2-6 February 2009

2. Structure A. Background B. Purpose of IRES C. Users and uses of energy statistics D. Organization of the revision process and IRES content E. Implementation and revision policy

3. A. Background  Historical background based on energy statistics in the UN Statistical Commission  Major decisions  Main documents  Results

4. B. Purpose of IRES Strengthen energy statistics as part of official statistics by providing recommendations on: Concepts, definitions, classifications, data sources, data compilation methods, institutional arrangements, data quality, data dissemination IRES provides a flexible framework for energy statistics based on the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics

5. Specific needs for the revision Adapt to new developments in the market (new energy sources, technologies, etc) Cover topics not considered in the previous UN publications (e.g. data compilation, data quality, metadata, data dissemination, etc.) Promote an integrated approach to energy statistics

6. C. Users and uses of energy statistics Energy policy makers concerned with Monitoring energy security Energy planning and monitoring Environmental policy (e.g. GHG emission) Business community Compilers and users of national accounts. Compilers of the SEEA-E International organizations General public

7. D. Organization of the revision process and IRES content Revision process Guiding principles for the revision Chapters Annexes

8. E. Implementation and revision policy Recommendations are not intended to be prescriptive and should be implemented by countries according to the national circumstances Additional guidance on ESCM - more practical/technical matters (e.g., good practices, country case studies, etc.) Updating process of IRES is envisaged to be recurrent (through UNSC) through a well organized process

9. Questions The Oslo Group is invited to provide further guidance on the content and structure of the chapter