LUCKNOW, Dec. 8 -- The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has tightened distribution loss targets for 2025-26, turning attention to the state's power distribution companies (discoms) that have already utilised large central funds under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). In its tariff order, UPERC fixed distribution losses at 13.35%, below the 13.77% sought by the discoms. Last fiscal, only Madhyanchal and Paschimanchal met their benchmarks, while Purvanchal recorded the highest losses, followed by Dakshinanchal, raising questions over the impact of RDSS-backed upgrades and smart meter rollout. The regulator said that despite extensive funding for system strengthening, feeder improvement, and loss-reduction technology, "losses cannot be allowed to be inflated" and must align with realistic performance expectations. With the Centre linking future RDSS support to verifiable reduction in AT&C losses, the pressure on UPPCL is set to intensify. Financial stability, the UPERC added, cannot be sustained unless discoms achieve "credible, measurable and sustained reduction" in distribution losses. "The challenge now shifts to whether the UPPCL and its four discoms can deliver results that justify the investment under the RDSS," a senior UPERC official said....