The Crossroads of Competition Law and Energy Regulation

This book explores the delicate balance between fostering competitive energy markets and ensuring effective regulation. It addresses the difficulty of reconciling competitive market dynamics with regulatory objectives such as ensuring reliability, fairness, and sustainability. In the highly dynamic energy sector, the convergence of competition law and energy regulation is a critical factor that greatly influences the trajectory of energy markets. The intersection of these significant domains can be complex and transformative when the goals of fostering fair competition and guaranteeing dependable and eco-friendly energy provision coincide. Market power in the energy sector can lead to a concentration of power among a handful of firms, which can hinder competition and limit consumer options. The dual objective of tackling market dominance and promoting energy security constitutes a significant challenge.

In turn, the book discusses the challenges posed by natural monopolies in energy networks, the need for regulatory frameworks to support investment in infrastructure and renewable energy, and the complexities of price fluctuations. The topic of market dominance is also considered, as dominant corporations are capable of controlling prices and suppressing competition, resulting in higher prices for consumers and stifling innovation.

The book offers valuable perspectives on creating a regulatory framework that promotes fair competition and achieves long-term policy goals in the energy sector. To do so, it draws on case studies and analyses from various countries.

Addresses the convergence of competition and energy regulation Sheds light on market power and the regulatory environment's equilibrium Written for a broad audience, including lawyers, policy makers, regulators, researchers, students, and energy business professionals

Auteur

Dr. Laura Rimait has been working as a legal professional in the Oil & Energy sector in both corporate and government environments for more than thirteen years. She is also a senior research associate at the Lithuanian Law Institute, focusing on the field of corruption and competition in the energy sector.

Contenu

1. Introduction to the crossroads of competition and energy regulation. Beyond market power.- Part I The Energy Sector Regulation: The European Union Perspective.- 2. European energy market evolution.- 3. Energy sector specific regulation.- 4. Europe's Journey to Carbon Neutrality: Pioneering a Continent without Emissions.- Part Ii. The Prohibited Agreements And Abuse Of Dominant Position In The Energy Sector.- 5. The concept and forms of prohibited agreements.- 6. Horizontal agreements in the development of energy projects.- 7. Vertical agreements.- 8. Market restrictions created by the abuse of dominant position.- Part III. Mergers And Acquisitions In Energy Sector.- 9. Concept, forms and evaluation of concentration.- 10. Forms of concentration in the energy sector.- Part Iv. State Aid And Market Liberalisation.- 11. The concept of State aid and its application criteria.- 12.State aid form and practice in the field of energy.- Part V. Exclusive, Special Rights And Services Of General Economic Interest.- 13. Public services in the modern economy: the evolution and future.- Part Vi. Competition Implementation In Energy Sector: International Outlook.- 14. Enforcement of competition law in the energy sector in accordance with the WTO.- 15. Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and competition law issues.- 16. The Energy Charter Treaty.- 17. Competition law application in nuclear energy sector.- VII. Conclusions.- 18. Concluding remarks.