Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott says the Hazelwood power plant needs to stay open.

It’s due to shut next week.

Speaking with Neil Mitchell, Malcolm Turnbull said the plant’s closure would not increase the risk of blackouts.

But his predecessor disagrees.

‘Obviously there’s a risk to power because the lights went out in South Australia for 24 hours,’ Mr Abbott said on 3AW Mornings.

‘There’s been further damaging blackouts in South Australia and there was avery damaging blackout in Victoria which has badly damaged the Portland aluminium smelter and led to tens of millions of dollars of subsidy being needed.

‘We’ve got a very serious situation.’

Mr Abbott said the government could not become complacent.

‘The first task of a government is to keep the lights on,’ he said.

‘It’s the sign of a third world economy that the lights do not stay on 24-7.’

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview