Australians are being warned to expect high power prices for the next two years.

The Australian Energy Market Operator is forecasting shortages for the east coast again this evening.

Alinta Energy Executive Director Daniel McClelland told Ben Fordham the industry needs to plan for the future to shore up the country’s power supply.

“It’s been a bumpy road.

“It’s like scrambling after the horse has bolted.”

Mr McClelland says it’s critical to maintain incentives for coal-fired power this decade or “we will be risking security and affordability”.

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview

Image: Getty