The federal government's been issued with a fresh warning that energy shortages loom for the upcoming summer period.
The Australian Energy Market Operator's (AEMO) report warns of widespread blackouts particularly in Victoria and South Australia, as well as an increase to power prices.
It comes as the Prime Minister indicates he wants the Liddell coal fired station in New South Wales kept open beyond its scheduled close in 2022.
Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg says it's evident how important this in.
"The message from this AEMO report is that coal and dispatchable power provided by other thermal generators like gas, or indeed, provided by hydro power, is absolutely critical to the stability of our system and to ensuring a more affordable energy system."
However, there's growing confusion over the future of the Liddell coal-fired power station in New South Wales.
Owner A-G-L maintains it will close the Hunter Valley plant in 2022, reaffirming a decision announced two years ago.
But the prime minister says A-G-L had told him it was prepared to "discuss the sale of the power station to a responsible party".
The federal opposition's energy spokesman Mark Butler says it's critical for us to have a clear, orderly plan.
"Obviously it is important to make sure there are no gaps in electricity supply as the inevitable closure of some of these generators that were built in the 1960s and 1970s proceeds over the coming decade or decade and a half. What we don't need, though, is the Prime Minister making stuff up as he goes along. We need a clear, orderly plan."
