Energy law is in the process of formation and development, and its sectoral structure is being formed in the Russian law, taking into account the fact that the energy sector is becoming increasingly important in human life, and the regulation of social relations related to the circulation of energy, especially electric energy, does not reflect the need to protect both private and public interests in this area. The article examines the doctrinal approaches and criteria for legal branches in relation to the regulation of the energy sector, as they are presented in the scientific literature. It is proposed to consider energy law as a separate complex of social relations arising from the circulation of energy, including its transmission and use, which require regulation by methods of civil, public, criminal, and administrative law.