Basics of Energy Supply Regulation in the Arctic Regions

Abstract

Energy supply is a necessary condition for supporting normal life and activities of humans. Problem of providing reliable and accessible energy supply becomes extremely important under the Arctic severe climate. Organization of energy supply is affected by many factors. It is suggested to consider natural-resource, economical, social, technological, ecological, and legal factors. Legal factors set legal framework for energy enterprises and energy consumers to act. Economic relations, social guarantees for energy consumers, technological and environmental requirements for energy industry are legally regulated. Thus, legal factors determine other factors of energy supply to significant extent. In this regard, an analysis of the powers and functions of federal and regional authorities in the field of energy supply regulation is relevant. Most of the powers of energy supply regulation are concentrated at the federal level. At the level of the subjects of the Russian Federation energy supply issues are regulated by regional authorities within the framework of their powers. Ensuring reliable energy supply to consumers requires coordinated actions of authorities and energy sector enterprises, taking into account the whole variety of considered factors.