Politicians are unfairly blaming solar and wind power for electricity blackouts, according to the latest research from the Grattan Institute.

In a report out today, the institute says the reliability of the energy supply has almost nothing to do with how the power was generated and that renewables have not made Australia's power systems unreliable.

The report also warns politicians against making panic interventions in the system to try to keep prices down, saying such moves could instead drive prices higher.

Includes commentary by Honorary Associate Professor Hugh Saddler. Listen to The World Today, ABC Radio program.