New SA energy laws go into effect

New laws designed to give South Australia more control over its energy network, a key element of the state government's power plan, are now in place.

Acting Energy Minister Peter Malinauskas says the laws, which received bipartisan support in the Legislative Council earlier in April, were proclaimed by Governor Hieu Van Le on Wednesday.

The changes to the state Emergency Act give the SA energy minister power to protect local consumers at times of a declared electricity emergency.