The federal government is keeping the pressure on AGL to extend the life of its Liddell coal-fired power station.

Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg and Treasurer Scott Morrison separately reiterated on Sunday the importance of the Liddell plant continuing to operate past 2022, when the Sydney-based company has said it will close. The government is scheduled to meet AGL Chief Executive Officer Andy Vesey on Monday to discuss options.

"We have five years to continue the life of that station or ensure there is no supply shortage – that is what we are going to investigate tomorrow," Frydenberg told Sky News Australia. "AGL needs to act in the public interest and that is ensuring there is no shortfall when Liddell closes."

The government is responding to reports that called for states to have in place reliable thermal electricity generation to provide security of supply if weather-dependent hydro plants or wind farms are unable to meet demand. Frydenberg says coal-fired stations provide base-load power and would help avoid power blackouts that have blighted states like South Australia when thermal plants have been shuttered.