Nuclear will keep power prices low: Dutton

A pan on a lit gas burner
The Albanese government is considering its options for relieving high energy prices. -AAP Image

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says nuclear power should be part of the debate as Australia seeks to cut emissions and power prices.

Mr Dutton revealed his leadership team on Sunday, which included nuclear power supporter Ted O'Brien as his energy spokesman.

"I'm not afraid to have a discussion on nuclear if we want to have legitimate emission reductions," Mr Dutton told ABC radio on Monday.

"I don't think we should be afraid to talk about any technology that's going to have the ability to reduce emissions and electricity prices.

"That's something we can consider in time. I don't think we should rule things out simply because it's unfashionable to talk about them."

The Albanese government is weighing up short and long-term measures to take pressure off gas prices.

As part of this, Energy Minister Chris Bowen will meet with his state and territory counterparts on on Wednesday to discuss solutions. 

Cabinet colleague Tony Burke said the government "won't rule anything out" in addressing the nation's energy crisis amid a perfect storm of factors weighing on prices and supply.

Gas prices have soared following the war in Ukraine and other supply issues, with the national energy regulator allowing more gas to be released to the south-eastern states to help ease the burden. 

When asked if more support for people on low incomes facing rising energy prices was needed, Mr Burke said the government was considering its options. 

"We're not ruling anything in or out effectively at the moment," he said. 

"It's been a decade of no energy policy (under the former government) that has effectively led us to a situation where we've ended up with this perfect storm. 

"Some of the issues are international, but our capacity to be able to deal with those international issues is very much domestic, so there won't be a quick knee-jerk response."

Mr Burke said while Labor had supported relief payments handed down in the last budget, the government was "not putting anything more on the table at the moment". 

Mr Dutton rejected suggestions the former Morrison government's lack of policy action had contributed to the current energy issue.

"These same problems presented to the previous government and they were able to be dealt with," he told the ABC on Monday.

"You're now seeing a panicked new government.

"Fair enough, they haven't had their feet under the desk for too long and they don't understand the options."

One option is using the so-called "gas trigger" - which allows for exports to be diverted to domestic supply - but it is a complex process which would not deliver any relief until January.