Energy prices are expected to soar to unprecedented levels this winter, sparking a heated discussion among politicians about what the government should do to help consumers.

Speaking to Yle's current affairs programme A-studio on Wednesday, opposition Finns Party vice-chair Leena Meri said that it was time for the government to declare an "energy emergency".

"I wish that you would declare an energy emergency and call for a meeting, for example, tomorrow. The Finns Party's parliamentary group is ready to come to parliament tomorrow if you bring forth motions," Meri said while addressing Left Alliance parliamentary group chair Jussi Saramo, who also took part in the show.

Both politicians agreed that the current situation calls for the introduction of a price ceiling.

"We are now living through war times in Europe. Since Finland is also sending arms and participating in the EU's sanctions policy, we must be ready for exceptional measures," Saramo said.

Speaking on the same programme, energy economics professor Matti Liski added that the exceptional circumstances would justify regulating prices which are currently guided by the energy market. In other words, Liski said he supported the introduction of an electricity price ceiling over compensating consumers' high energy bills through tax funds.

The conversation is part of a wider discussion over the ensuing energy crisis looming over Europe, largely brought on by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

There is further pressure on Finland's energy problems, including delays in electricity generation at the Olkiluoto 3 power plant, which was initially due to start over a decade ago in 2009. Once fully operational, the 1.6 gigawatt reactor is expected to provide around 14 percent of Finland's electricity needs.

On top of record-high energy bills, people in Finland may face power controls as well as outages that could last up to two hours this winter. Grid operator Fingrid has said however that disconnections and blackouts would be a last resort and only used in emergency situations.