Skates on to ensure secure exit of major coal plant

A state is at risk of blackouts if technology is not in place ahead of a power station shutdown. (Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)

Australia's main energy grid is not on track to smoothly manage the closure of the nation's biggest coal station without the faster rollout of stabilising technologies.

The Australian Energy Market Operator warned the Eraring Power Station in NSW is slated to retire before important security infrastructure is due to come online to ensure a "stable heartbeat".