LUCKNOW, July 7 -- In a move aimed at tightening energy accounting and promoting transparency, the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited has directed metering of all LMV-10 category electricity connections - a classification that covers residences of serving and retired employees of UPPCL and its four discoms. The directive, issued on July 5 by UPPCL chairman Ashish Kumar Goel, targets unmetered LMV-10 connections, many of which currently enjoy subsidised power without proper consumption records. The metering, the order has clarified, will not affect the concessional rates or existing benefits availed by employees and pensioners. The order, addressed to the field officers, underlines the need to strengthen power auditing and network planning. It also refers to a 2018 order under which LMV-10 users are billed at just 5% of standard rates - a steep rebate from the earlier 20%, inclusive of electricity tax. To ensure smooth implementation, the corporation has asked for an awareness campaign, talks with unions and pensioner bodies, appointment of nodal officers in each division, and a detailed action plan. The deadline for submitting the plan is July 8 - just three days from the issuance of the directive. The directives may evoke a sharp reaction from the employees' unions that have been protesting the decision to privatise the discoms in 42 districts....