<P> Himachal Pradesh is extremely rich in its hydroelectricity resources . The state is having about twenty five percent of the national potential in this aspect . It has been estimated that about 27,436 MW of hydel power can be generated in the state by the construction of various hydel projects on the five perennial river basins no matter they are major, medium or small . Out of total hydel potential of the state, 8,418 MW is harnessed so far, out of which only 7.6% is under the control of Himachal Pradesh Government while the rest being exploited by the Central Government . The state government has been giving the highest priority for its development, since hydel generation can meet the growing need of power for industry, agriculture and rural electrification . It is also the biggest source of income to the state as it provides electricity to the other states also . </P> <P> Himachal has enough resources to generate surplus power but, sometimes this is a misconception as in winters the power shortage overshoots ten lakh units per day due to less flow of water in rivers and at the same time increase in lighting and heating load . Due to increased industrialization and rural electrification this figure is expected to rise even further . </P>

Hydro power potential in hp according to latest estimate