"Stacked committee" decision no surprise

New South Wales Labor backbencher Paul Peace says a committee due to report on electricity privatisation was stacked with supporters of the proposal.

Mr Peace says he does not think its report will be balanced.

"Anyone who has a look at the personalties on the committee [will see] the committee was stacked to come up with a particular result," he said.

Several other Labor backbenchers remain opposed to the move, including Assistant Speaker Grant McBride.

Mr McBride says it does not matter what method is chosen to privatisate the sector, it remains a bad idea.

"I believe a government income-earning asset of the capacity of anywhere from $1.3 to $1.7 billion shouldn't be sold," he said.

"There is no reason why you could convince any business to actually turn over a business that is earning $1.3 to $1.7 billion a year."

'Foolish decision'

A former treasury official who has co-written a book on privatisation, Betty Con Walker, says a power sell-off would be foolish given the current economic climate.

"Imagine floating a packet of chips at the moment, let alone major assets," she said. "It would be a disaster."