Rott, Peter; Willett, Chris --- "Consumers and services of general interest" [2018] ELECD 571; in Howells, Geraint; Ramsay, Iain; Wilhelmsson, Thomas (eds), "Handbook of Research on International Consumer Law, Second Edition" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2018) 267

Book Title: Handbook of Research on International Consumer Law, Second Edition

Editor(s): Howells, Geraint; Ramsay, Iain; Wilhelmsson, Thomas

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN: 9781785368202

Section: Chapter 11

Section Title: Consumers and services of general interest

Author(s): Rott, Peter; Willett, Chris

Number of pages: 41

Abstract/Description:

This chapter seeks to identify the key issues that arise across the world in relation to services of general interest, e.g. utility and transport services. It argues that the rules on services of general interest reflect a blend of, on the one hand, ‘consumer protection/market-competition’ values; and, on the other hand, ‘universal service’ values. It highlights the ways in which these agendas are pursued; and argues that there are key limitations in actually achieving the goals aimed at. For example, the consumer protection/market-competition agenda is hindered by limitations on transparency as an effective tool for market discipline. It is also hindered by the lack of a collective damages remedy. The universal service agenda is hindered by limited capacity for enforcement against either suppliers or the State.