LUCKNOW, June 16 -- In what officials described as the "steepest surge proposal in the history of the state's power sector", the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) has proposed an unprecedented average hike of nearly 30% in electricity tariffs across consumer categories for the year 2025-26. The proposal, quietly filed with the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) late on Friday night, also seeks a 25-30% increase in power connection charges for new consumers, officials familiar with the matter said, adding UPPCL simultaneously submitted a consultation draft regarding privatisation. "The UPPCL on Friday submitted three proposals simultaneously: a tariff hike, increase in new power connection charges and a consultation draft for privatisation of power distribution in 42 districts under Agra and Varanasi discoms," an energy department official disclosed. Notably, depending on the regulator's nod, the highest burden of the proposed hike is set to fall on rural domestic consumers, with rates expected to go up by 40-45%. Urban domestic users could face a 35-40% hike, while commercial and industrial consumers may see hikes of 20-25% and 15-18%, respectively.P3...