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An Australia-based energy expert says the government here should be underwriting major power generation projects to help drive investment in the sector and mitigate energy shortages.
Electricity demand is expected to double by 2050. Yet the country has only built about one fifth of what it is likely need even by the end of this decade.
Grid operator Transpower says new production coming online in the next two years - will get us closer to what is needed by 2030 though it is mainly through intermittent sources like wind and solar.
Critics say those intermittent options carry too much risk.
A recent briefing to new Energy Minister Simon Watts highlighted the need for more 'firm, flexible generation to improve security and lower prices'.
All this, as the country faces the prospect of a second dry year in the hydro lakes, and the risk of another crippling spike in power prices this winter.
One intervention being suggested to stimulate investment is for consumers - in the shape of a Government underwrite for electricity generation projects - for back up supply.
James Hay was the founding chief executive of New South Wales EnergyCo, which co-ordinated generation, storage and transmission investment in the Australian state.
