The energy market regulator's chairman, John Pierce, said the latest rules were designed to address "risks to energy security created by the power system's changing generation mix" with its rising proportion of renewable energy such as wind and solar power.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), which runs the nation's largest gas and electricity markets, is forecasting more than 19,000 MW of proposed new energy capacity for the coming years, with nearly two-thirds of that coming from wind power as costs of renewable technologies are falling.

"As the power system continues to evolve", the new rules "require networks to provide a minimum level of system strength to help keep the system stable," the AEMC's Mr Pierce said.

"These new rules are designed to provide confidence in the security of the system at least cost to consumers."

The new rules put the onus on electricity networks to ensure minimum inertia levels are meet and shortfalls in power are addressed with fast frequency response services when demand is greater than supply.

Greater transparency has also been a key feature in the new rules, with the AEMO demanding more detailed information on how generators' equipment performs.

The changes come as federal opposition leader Bill Shorten called on the AEMO to increase gas market transparency.

Mr Shorten said there needs to be greater clarity on the market's movements and pricing information in order to secure domestic supply and improve competitive bargaining for industrial users.

These actions have also been recommended by the Finkel Review of the electricity market, and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

"Information about gas prices is partial, provisional and mostly private. These pricing information gaps impair bargaining," the ACCC has found.

The Finkel Review - a review of the electricity sector led by Australia's Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel published in June - noted that gas plays an essential role in providing energy security for Australians.

"To help address problems caused by rising prices and reduced availability, AEMO should be given expanded visibility on gas contracts so that it can plan responses to shortages," it said.

It also called for increased transparency in the gas sector's development.

Mr Shorten said the Labor party was seeking to "give AEMO some teeth by fast-tracking reforms to improve gas market transparency, to help give Australian manufacturers a head start in gas contract negotiations, so Australian jobs come first."

"This is a crisis happening right now - Australian manufacturers need action on it right now, not in five years' time."