Power shortage hits 70,000 MW; changes in power policy contemplated

New Delhi: Union power minister Sushil Kumar Shinde today told the Lok Sabha that the government was considering various initiatives including changes in the hydropower generation policy to overcome the 70,000 MW power shortfall in the country.

He said steps were being taken in the 11th plan to rectify the current power shortage.

Replying to questions, Shinde said special attention was being paid to ensure a regular supply of electricity in major metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai.

The power minister also stated that the potential for hydropower generation in the country was 1.5 lakh MW a mere 20 per cent of which was being exploited.

Moreover, since setting up power plants in hilly regions entailed difficulties and unless more incentives were provided, private participants would not particpate, the government had decided to change the policy for hydro power generation, Shinde added.

As part of the ongoing efforts to meet the shortage immediately, the centre ad signed an agreement with the Himachal Pradesh government , which would make available15,000 MW of power.