The Energy Minister is being urged to take action as a winter electricity price spike looms. 

A newly released briefing to Minister Simon Watts shows supply is tight, and gas needs to be maintained until suitable alternatives are found. 

It also warns some households and businesses are finding energy unaffordable. 

Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie told Mike Hosking it's clear we need an energy system backed with coal or natural gas. 

He says we can't keep relying on the weather and lurching from winter to winter without systemic action. 

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