Electricity companies could face further rules, if the latest measures to drive down prices don't work

The Electricity Authority's moving to require power companies to charge less for power during off-peak periods, and pay more for solar and battery power during peak periods.

But it hasn't stated how much lower, off-peak prices actually need to be.

Commerce Commission Chair John Small -- a member of the authority's Energy Competition Task Force -- says they're hoping competition will drive down off-peak prices.

He says they want to see how things go, but the regulator will need to consider further action if things don't go as planned.