Victoria and NSW can't rely on the Northern Territory for gas and should do their own heavy lifting, the prime minister says.
Scott Morrison on Friday officially opened a Japanese LNG project in Darwin, alongside the nation's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
The first gas shipment left the $US40 billion ($A55 billion) Ichthys LNG venture in Darwin to Japan last month, providing a key part of the nation's energy security as it moves away from nuclear power.
The states must have their own resources to support their development rather than rely on the NT and a pipeline, Mr Morrison says.
"I'm hopeful in NSW we will see something," the prime minister told reporters in Darwin on Friday.
"In Victoria we are in the middle of a state election and they are keeping the gas under ground, which is pushing the electricity prices up of Victorians."
Mr Morrison's comments come with the Australian Energy Market Operator releasing its plan to ensure high temperatures, heatwaves and bushfires don't lead to summer blackouts.
Although gas supplies are expected to meet forecasted demands, back-up energy reserves are being ensured for Victoria and South Australia so the lights stay on.
Victoria's Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio is "very confident" the state's power supply will stay on course over summer.
Increased wind and solar generation will be added to Victoria's supply, supported by two new batteries for storage in Ballarat and Gannawarra.
"We are in a far stronger position this year than what we were last year," Ms D'Ambrosio said.
AEMO had flagged concerns with the reliability of diesel generators in the Latrobe Valley, as a lack of rainfall could result in insufficient water to cool them.
But the state is not relying on the generators for power, Ms D'Ambrosio says.
Peak electricity use is expected to reach near-record levels on both the east and west coasts of Australia this summer, AEMO says.
Maximum electricity demand is expected later in the day compared to last year, with more households installing solar panels and generating their own power during the day.
In the midst of summer some AGL customers will have their power bills eased, with the energy provider on Friday announcing it will introduce a price safety net from January.
After one year on a standing offer, households and small business will automatically get a more affordable deal, bringing their rates closer to prices on AGL's discounted market offers.
Energy Minister Angus Taylor has applauded the move and is calling on other providers to follow suit ahead of the January deadline, otherwise he will intervene.
Australian Associated Press
