能源合同中疫情作为不可抗力适用的特殊性研究

Study on the Peculiarities of the Application of Epidemics as Force Majeure in Energy Contracts

主张疫情作为不可抗力的能源合同纠纷频发。相比其他不可抗力,疫情具有特殊性。在司法实践中表现为法院对疫情适用不可抗力规则的回避性、认定条件不统一、违约损失分配规则不明确等问题。追溯不可抗力规则的来源、变化以及内在机理可知,不可抗力规则本质上属于纠纷解决规则,以公平原则和诚实信用原则为价值导向。在疫情防控常态化的背景下,司法机关应从不可抗力规则的本质属性出发,建立多元化纠纷解决模式;并根据折中说的认定标准和公平原则进行诉讼分步处理;能源企业应积极进行风险预防,注重诚实信用原则的应用,注意通知、减损、证明义务的履行。

In energy contracts,disputes that advocate the epidemic as force majeure occur frequently.Compared with other force majeure events,the epidemic is unique.In judicial practice,there exist such problems as the evasion of the courts application of force majeure rules to the epidemic,inconsistent determination conditions,and unclear rules for the distribution of default losses.By tracing back the source,changes and internal mechanism of force majeure rules,it can be seen that force majeure rules are essentially dispute resolution rules and are value-oriented with the principles of fairness and good faith.In the context of the normalization of epidemic prevention and control,a diversified dispute resolution model should be established based on the essential attributes of force majeure rules.The litigation shall be dealt with step by step according to the identification standard and fairness principle of the compromise theory.Energy companies should actively prevent risks and apply the principle of good faith,pay attention to the fulfillment of the obligation of notification,derogation,and certification.