A Tasmanian opposition leader said on Tuesday that amidst it difficult financial condition last year, Aurora Energy still managed to give out hampers of up to $120,000 to its staff as Christmas gifts.

Opposition energy spokesman Peter Gutwein revealed that a total of 1200 staff received the gifts though State Energy Minister Bryan Green, in confirming the report, argued that the alleged payment was a long-standing agreement honoured by the state-owned energy firm.

Mr Green added that the company initiative was also in recognition of the excellent performance turned in by Aurora staff though he quickly clarified that such arrangements would be around this year.

He said that Aurora Energy has decided to save up for this year and do away with hamper provisions for now as he stressed that "I can confirm that Aurora has said that they won't be providing that this year."

In a related development, the state government's efforts to investigate its energy industry gained an inch closer to fruition as it finally appointed three energy experts that will be tasked to look into the ills of the sector and make recommendations.

Heading the review panel is current Australian Energy Markets Commission chair John Pierce and joining him is Dr John Tamblyn, immediate past chair of the same body, and Jerome Fahrer, who is an expert in Australian energy regulation and competition.