The Australian Energy Regulator has been asked to look into claims by TRUenergy that the power supply may be disrupted if it is not offered more compensation under the proposed emissions trading scheme.

Brown-coal-fired power plants would get about $3 billion under the current design. TRUenergy says they need at least $8 billion.

Environment Victoria and the Australian Conservation Foundation want an investigation into whether TRUenergy is preparing to default on electricity supply contracts, and has reduced maintenance spending at its brown-coal power plant at Yallourn.

TRUenergy spokeswoman Kate Shea said the company would welcome a thorough review of the implications of emissions trading, but said it was surprised by the allegations.

"At no point in time has the company believed or publicly stated that it may default on supply contracts," she said.