The Energy Minister says new rules for the electricity sector can't come soon enough. 

The Electricity Authority's proposing changes to give independent power companies the same access to prices and hedge contracts. 

Simon Watts hopes that will create a more level playing field. 

Power companies are hiking prices, and Watts told Mike Hosking things could get worse as we head into winter. 

He says conditions are dry, lake levels are lower than they were this time last year, and we still have a gas shortage. 

Watts says the situation is acute and he's worried. 

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• 'Great competition, better outcomes': Electric Kiwi delighted by proposed sector changes