The Prime Minister says Tiwai Point's smelter having to again reduce its electricity usage, highlights our energy security issues

New supply agreements mean Meridian Energy can request ramp-downs in response to the wider generation demand.

The smelter will reduce total usage by 185 megawatts from August, representing four-percent of the country's electricity use.

Chris Luxon says it shows why the oil and gas ban must be repealed.

He says our electricity supply needs to be doubled, and Tiwai will need to be choked back at times -- until that occurs.