PM baulks at energy sector takeover calls

Malcolm Turnbull has shied away from calls to stage a takeover of the national energy market, insisting he's taking a different tack to fix a sector in need of reform.

Pointing to talks with east coast gas chiefs this week, the prime minister said he'd received a commitment to shore up supply, while keeping an eye on his longer-term Snowy Hydro expansion grand plan.

"Rather than embarking on a constitutional battle which may or may not succeed, the better point is to work together and to deliver the secure and affordable energy Australians need," he told Seven Network on Friday.

Mr Turnbull said his chief scientist was investigating an energy sector which "certainly does need reform", but he argued "what we have to do is take action now".

Pressed on the issue, the prime minister returned to his twin vision of increasing short-term gas supply before boosting Snowy's capacity by 50 per cent in coming years.

"People often say that politicians are too short-sighted, so I don't think it is fair to criticise me for saying I'm building for the future," he said.