The Energy Minister has warned state governments they need to act to prevent widespread blackouts this summer.

NSW and Victoria risk being without power this year during the extreme heat due to aging coal and gas generators, according to the Australian Energy Market Operator.

777,000 NSW homes could also experience blackouts once the Liddell power plant closes in 2023.

Federal Energy Minister Angus Taylor tells Steve Price the situation in Victoria, in particular, is “a disaster”.

“We’ve seen a Victorian government who’s determined to put unprecedented amounts of wind and solar into the system without a solution for what happens when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine.

“The Victorian plan is going to have impacts on surrounding states… this is unacceptable.”

He called out the Victorian government for refusing to work with the federal government to rectify the situation, something he says the NSW government has done.

“This is insanity and the people of Victoria will pay the price unless the Victorian government comes to its senses.”

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview