The Indian government has announced plans to regulate air conditioner temperatures to save energy, sparking debate and criticism. Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, stated that the government will conduct an experiment to standardize AC temperatures, restricting them from cooling below 20°C or heating beyond 28°C. The move aims to reduce excessive power consumption and promote energy efficiency. The announcement has been met with criticism, with some arguing that the government is interfering with people’s personal choices, while others see it as a necessary step to reduce energy consumption.
Currently, only 40% of AC-owning households in India run their ACs at a temperature setting of 24°C or above. If ACs are set at 20°C and above instead of 16°C, consumers can save on power bills and spare energy for marginalized communities. The government’s Cooling Action Plan had estimated that setting AC temperatures at 24°C can save around 6% of electricity. Several countries, including Japan, the US, and Italy, have already implemented similar regulations.
India’s electricity demand has increased by 28% between 2019 and 2023, largely due to the growing ownership of air conditioners. The total connected load in India due to air conditioning is estimated to be around 200 GW by 2030. The government aims to reduce the emissions intensity of its gross domestic product by 45% by 2030 as part of its long-term climate plan.
Experts suggest that using fans in tandem with air conditioners set at higher temperatures can be a more energy-efficient approach. A recent paper by Australian researchers recommends using fans first and setting thermostats to start cooling at higher temperatures. However, in India, only 20% of households always use a ceiling fan with AC. The government has a mandatory star rating system for ceiling fans, but star-rated fans are expensive and not easily available.
The decision to regulate AC temperatures has been called sensible, but its implications on energy savings and efficiency are likely to be small. Experts argue that the government should also focus on enforcing building codes, promoting research on alternative cooling technologies, and providing incentives for manufacturers to produce more efficient ACs. Revising the existing star rating system and making it more stringent for ACs could also be an effective step towards energy efficiency. Ultimately, the regulation of AC temperatures is just one part of a broader strategy to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability in India.