The country faces power shortage to the tune of 70,000 MW, Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde told the Lok Sabha on Friday.

Various initiatives, including a change in policy for hydroelectricity generation are being taken to fulfill the requirement, he said.

Replying to questions in the House, Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said special attention was being paid to ensure regular supply of electricity in major metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai as it sends a message internationally.

The potential for hydropower generation in the country is 1.5 lakh MW but merely 20 per cent of it is exploited, he said. Shinde said setting up of power plants in hilly regions entails difficulties and unless more incentives are provided, private parties will not come forward.

"So the government has decided to change the policy for hydropower generation," the minister said.

Shinde said he recently held a meeting with Chief Ministers to discuss the power situation and they had promised to help meet the shortage. As part of efforts to meet the shortage immediately, an agreement was signed with Himachal Pradesh government recently under which 15,000 MW of power will be available.

He said attempts were made to have same rate for power across the country but it was not possible.