ACCC launches electricity price inquiry

A report on electricity prices and supply issues will go to the government by mid-2018 after an inquiry by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

The consumer watchdog wants to get to the bottom of rising power bills and what can be done. (AAP)

The consumer watchdog wants to get to the bottom of rising power bills and what can be done about them.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission will hold forums around the country and take public submissions as it inquires into retail electricity supply and prices in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT.

"A key focus for the ACCC is to determine the main drivers of retail electricity price increases over time and what can be done about these," ACCC chairman Rod Sims said in a statement on Wednesday.