公用事业领域反垄断指南出炉 细化垄断行为认定规则

Core Viewpoint - The State Council's Anti-Monopoly and Anti-Unfair Competition Committee has issued guidelines aimed at preventing and curbing monopolistic behaviors in the public utility sector, ensuring fair market competition and protecting consumer and public interests [1][2]. Group 1: Guidelines Overview - The guidelines consist of seven chapters and 50 articles, systematically summarizing enforcement experiences and accurately grasping the characteristics of the public utility sector and market competition rules [1]. - The guidelines provide clearer and more explicit directives for anti-monopoly enforcement and compliance for operators in the public utility sector [1]. Group 2: Specific Provisions - The guidelines specifically address monopolistic behaviors in the public utility sector, including market definition, recognition of market dominance, and identification of monopolistic agreements and abuse of market dominance [2]. - The guidelines further detail the forms of monopolistic agreements and abusive behaviors, particularly in industries like bottled liquefied gas, as well as in water, electricity, gas, and heating sectors [2]. Group 3: Compliance and Industry Support - The guidelines encourage public utility operators to strengthen compliance measures and promote the active role of associations in compliance guidance [2]. - There is an emphasis on maintaining open channels for social supervision to ensure ongoing compliance and accountability within the industry [2].