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Disputes & litigation

Clear footing in energy and utility disputes.

Billing, supply, regulatory and infrastructure disputes in the energy and utilities sector, resolved with command of both the contracts and the regulation behind them.

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Energy and utility disputes sit at the meeting point of commercial contracts and detailed regulation. A billing dispute, a supply failure, a tariff disagreement or a stalled infrastructure project can each turn on the precise wording of an agreement and the rules of the regulator that oversees the sector. Resolving them well takes lawyers who understand both.

We act for businesses, suppliers and consumers in the energy and utilities space across Nigeria, the UK and Canada, combining dispute resolution skill with a working knowledge of how these markets are regulated, so your position is argued on solid ground.

What we help with

Disputes we resolve.

01

Billing & supply disputes

Challenging or defending disputes over charges, metering and continuity of supply.

02

Energy regulatory disputes

Engaging with regulators and resolving disputes arising from sector rules and licences.

03

Infrastructure & construction

Disputes arising from the building and operation of energy and utility assets.

04

Supply & purchase agreements

Resolving disputes under power purchase, supply and offtake arrangements.

05

Project & investment disputes

Protecting positions in disputes over energy projects and the investments behind them.

06

Arbitration & ADR

Pursuing efficient resolution through arbitration and other alternatives to court.

Energy disputes turn on detail: contracts, tariffs and regulation. We win them by understanding the sector as well as the law.

The Old Stone Legal approach

The law where you are

How the sector is regulated across our jurisdictions.

Nigeria

Electricity Act, NERC

  • The power sector is shaped by the Electricity Act and ongoing reform.
  • The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission oversees much of the market.
  • Disputes often involve licensing, tariffs and supply obligations.

United Kingdom

Ofgem-regulated market

  • The energy market operates under licences overseen by Ofgem.
  • Disputes can involve supply, billing and regulatory compliance.
  • Many matters are resolved through negotiation, ADR or the courts.

Canada

Provincial utility regulation

  • Utilities are regulated provincially, including in Manitoba.
  • Rates and service can be subject to regulatory oversight.
  • Disputes are resolved through regulators and the courts.

How we work with you

From contract to resolution.

01

Understand the contract & regulation

We examine the agreement and the regulatory framework that together govern the dispute.

02

Build the strategy

We set the most effective route, weighing negotiation, regulator engagement, arbitration and court.

03

Resolve

We pursue resolution through the chosen forum, representing you with command of the detail.

04

Outcome & compliance

We secure the result and advise on the steps needed to comply and avoid repeat disputes.

Common questions

Energy disputes, answered.

We handle disputes over billing and supply, regulatory and licensing matters, infrastructure and construction, and the commercial agreements that underpin energy projects, from supply contracts to power purchase arrangements. If your dispute touches the energy or utilities sector, we can assess it.
Yes. Billing and supply disputes are common and often turn on the terms of the contract and the applicable regulatory rules. We review the basis of the charges, engage with the supplier or regulator as appropriate, and pursue a fair resolution on your behalf.
Yes. Many energy contracts, particularly larger or cross-border ones, provide for arbitration, which can offer privacy and enforceability across jurisdictions. We advise on and conduct arbitration, as well as regulator-led and court processes, depending on what your situation requires.
Yes. Energy projects frequently span jurisdictions and involve international investment and contracts. With our offices and global network, we coordinate the advice and dispute resolution needed across the countries a project touches.

Related services

Contract & commercial disputes Corporate law International law Real estate & property

Speak with us

Argue from solid ground.

Tell us about the dispute and we will bring command of both the contract and the regulation to bear.

Book a consultation