Strategies for Resolving International Disputes in the Electricity ‎Industry (A Case Study of the United Kingdom)‎

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Soraya Ahmadpour
Manager of the Legal Office and Complaints Handling, Member of the Board of Directors of the ‎Kurdistan Electricity Distribution Company‎
10.30503/ewl.2024.209026
Abstract
Methods of resolving international disputes in the electricity industry face numerous legal challenges. To overcome these challenges, it is essential to revise international treaties to better address the root causes of disputes, improve enforcement mechanisms, and establish clear definitions of treaty violations. This requires significant political will and collective action among all stakeholders. International energy disputes can arise for various reasons, such as fluctuations in raw material and energy prices, the provision of energy infrastructure and equipment, changes in government policies, regulatory shifts, and geopolitical factors. The nature of electricity is highly technical, capital-intensive, and complex. Consequently, the resolution of international electricity disputes has its unique characteristics. The parties involved, whether governments or private entities, tend to resolve their disputes through international arbitration, but they must select appropriate arbitration strategies based on the types of disputes. This article examines the various challenges in international electricity energy disputes and reviews the dispute resolution strategies in this industry. By analyzing legal cases, the advantages and disadvantages of each strategy are assessed, and a comparative study is conducted between the methods by examining the legal frameworks and capacities in English law. The studies suggest a combination of alternative dispute resolution strategies with international arbitration that can be adapted depending on the nature of each case.
Keywords
Dispute resolution ‎strategies
International ‎dispute resolution
Great ‎Britain law
Electric ‎energy industry
‎International treaties.‎
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