Government pushes on with big stick energy

The Morrison government is doubling down on its push for so-called "big stick" energy laws, which it claims will drive down power prices.

The legislation includes provisions to force the break-up of energy companies, which the government argues are needed to prevent power retailers and generators jacking up prices.

Despite pressure from its own backbench and Nationals in particular, the government shelved the laws before the federal election in the face of defeat in the minority parliament.

But Energy Minister Angus Taylor has confirmed he will bring the bill back to parliament later this year.

"This legislation is vital to ensuring that we have another tool in the toolkit to maintain supply in the market and drive prices down," he told the lower house on Monday

Energy companies have warned the powers would likely be counterproductive and ultimately drive prices up.

In May, Mr Taylor said the laws would be a priority for the government in the July sitting, of which this is the final week.