Consumer protection in energy field

The paper presents the result of research on the complex problems of consumer protection rights, through a detailed investigation on specific issues of the energy sector and by having recourse to an in-depth analysis of the theoretical aspects, of the instruments and scientific methods applicable in the field. The research is based on the analysis of relevant literature, covering a wide range of publications, magazines, books in the field, academic publications, as well as primary and specific legislation. I have chosen to combine the theoretical aspects with empirical methodology, using different research methods: external observation, questionnaires, document analysis, and the comparative method. The paper has as main objectives the presentation of the current situation in the protection of household consumers, the consumers of electricity and natural gas from Romania and the identification of the degree of knowledge of these rights in the relations between these consumers and the energy supplier. There are analyzed, in this regard, the relationships between them, highlighting the perception of consumers on the services offered by the suppliers, the possible ways to diminish the vulnerability of some categories of consumers and a way to ensure the real protection of household consumers.