Finkel says national grid under pressure

KEY POINTS OF THE CHIEF SCIENTIST'S INTERIM REPORT ON ENERGY SECURITY:

* The national electricity grid is under pressure as the market changes to greater reliance on solar and wind generation

* Security and reliability of our electricity supply is less assured

* Household energy bills rose on average almost 50 per cent in the six years to 2014

* Inadequate supply and high cost of natural gas are contributing to electricity price rises

* There's broad enthusiasm for a co-ordinated national approach to energy and emissions reduction policies.