In a bid to curb soaring electricity demand and promote energy efficiency, the Government of India has proposed new guidelines that will require all air conditioners sold in the country to operate within a standardized temperature range of 20°C to 28°C. The move, spearheaded by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power, could significantly reduce power consumption and ease stress on India’s electricity grid.
The proposal, which is currently in the draft stage, will be applicable to residential, commercial, and vehicular AC units manufactured and sold in India. It is expected to be finalized after public consultation and review by key stakeholders, including appliance manufacturers and environmental experts.
A Shift in Cooling Culture
For decades, air conditioners in India have allowed users to cool rooms to as low as 16°C, a setting often misused during peak summer months. Energy officials argue that such low temperatures are both unnecessary and inefficient, contributing to high energy bills and increased carbon emissions.
“This is not about restricting comfort but aligning our cooling practices with climate-conscious norms,” said a senior official from the BEE. “A setting of 24–26°C is both thermally comfortable and energy-efficient.”
The standardized range—a minimum of 20°C and a maximum of 28°C—aims to strike a balance between user comfort and environmental responsibility. According to estimates, if implemented nationally, the measure could save ₹18,000–₹20,000 crore in electricity costs over the next three years.
Energy Security Meets Climate Goals
India is among the fastest-growing cooling markets in the world, with demand for air conditioners expected to triple by 2030. The country’s growing middle class and increasingly hot summers have led to a sharp increase in cooling-related energy use, often leading to localized blackouts during peak hours.
Officials say the proposed AC settings could reduce the load on thermal power plants and cut down greenhouse gas emissions by reducing dependency on coal-based electricity.
“The grid is under tremendous pressure during summer evenings. Every degree higher in AC settings reduces power consumption by roughly 6%,” noted an energy policy advisor associated with the consultation process.
The Path Ahead
While the proposal has been broadly welcomed by environmental groups, industry representatives have raised concerns about consumer backlash and potential challenges in reconfiguring existing AC models.
Manufacturers may be required to redesign thermostat controls, adjust compressor settings, and potentially recalibrate performance benchmarks in line with the new temperature limits. Compliance mechanisms, consumer awareness campaigns, and transition timelines are expected to be part of the final regulation.
The draft guidelines are currently open for public comments until the end of July. If approved, implementation is likely to begin in early 2026, with phased enforcement across manufacturers and sectors.