The Energy Minister says we're in for a tight winter

Grid operator Transpower's warned households to limit unnecessary power use until at least 9 am - concerned about a potential power outage from the chilly weather.

Simeon Brown says Transpower will be doing everything it can to manage the system throughout the winter.

He says industry players and households will also have to help out.

Brown says that isn't where we want to be as a modern 21st century country.

He says the Government's taking actions to ensure we have a reliable and affordable energy system.