Baird claims mandate after victory in NSW

NSW Premier Mike Baird has claimed a mandate to go ahead with the government's plan to partially lease electricity assets after winning the state election on Saturday.

"Tonight they have chosen hope over fear," he told supporters at the Sofitel Hotel in Sydney.

"We sought a mandate to make NSW great and tonight the people of NSW have given us that mandate."

He said the government had been open with the voters over the leasing plan, exposing it "to the biggest scare campaign" in state election history.

The crowd chanted "four more years, four more years," as Mr Baird entered the room.

"The reason I love this state is because of its people and friends, tonight they have chosen hope over fear," he said with Foreign Minister Julie Bishop in the crowd.

He thanked Opposition Leader Luke Foley or his concession speech but accused Labor of the "biggest scare campaign" in NSW election history.

Mr Baird said the government had lost some good MPs because of that campaign against the leasing plan, and warned Labor that it would not have it easy at the next election.

"I have heard some talk tonight about Labor being back in the game for the election in 2019," he said.

"Well, let me give you this assurance, in four years we'll be back in those seats we lost, seeking to represent them over the good things we do for the people of NSW over the next four years."

Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who was largely absent from the campaign trail, also received a mention.

"He understood the need to put more funds into NSW - he has done that as a prime minister," Mr Baird said, to cheers of "Tony! Tony!" from the crowd.

The premier ended his speech as he began it, with another declaration of his love for NSW.

"I will guarantee that we'll work every day for you to make your lives better ... the reason we're going to do it is because I love this state," he said.