As India grapples with unprecedented power demand and intensifying heatwaves, the government has proposed a significant change to how we use air conditioners. Soon, your AC may not cool your room below 20°C—not because of a mechanical fault, but due to a new regulation aimed at conserving energy and stabilizing the nation’s power grid.
At a recent event in Delhi, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced that a new air-conditioning standard is being finalized. If implemented, it will apply not only to residential air conditioners but also to cooling systems in cars, hotels, and commercial buildings. Here's what this means for you—and why the government believes it's a necessary move.
The New Rule: 20°C to 28°C Limit
According to Khattar, the government is working on setting a standardized operational range for air conditioners between 20°C and 28°C. Once in effect, users will not be able to lower their AC temperature below 20°C or raise it above 28°C, regardless of the external weather conditions.
“This is a first-of-its-kind experiment, aiming to standardize temperature settings. It will not only promote energy efficiency but also help regulate peak electricity demand during high-consumption periods,” Khattar explained.
Why This Rule Matters
1. Electricity Consumption Crisis
India's power consumption has been surging year after year, especially during the summer. In 2023, the nation witnessed a record-breaking power demand of 250 gigawatts (GW). That number is expected to climb to 270 GW in 2024.
While unseasonal rains in May temporarily reduced the load, the first week of June saw a sharp spike again. On a single day, electricity demand reached a staggering 241 GW—the highest recorded so far this year. Experts warn that if unchecked, such demand could lead to rolling blackouts and grid instability.
Running ACs at excessively low temperatures—often 16°C to 18°C—greatly increases electricity consumption. In many cases, this is unnecessary and wasteful, especially when a comfortable room environment can be maintained at 24°C to 26°C. The new rule seeks to curb this overuse.
2. Grid Stability and Peak Load Management
India’s electricity grid is already stretched during peak demand periods. Every degree lowered on an AC thermostat results in roughly 6% more energy consumption. Multiply that by millions of households and commercial buildings, and the added strain on the grid becomes overwhelming.
By capping the minimum temperature at 20°C, the government hopes to flatten the demand curve, especially during late afternoon and evening hours when AC use is at its peak.
Will This Rule Be Enforced in Homes?
Yes, if the regulation comes into effect, it will apply to all new AC models sold in India. Manufacturers will be required to design units that operate only within the specified temperature range.
Retrofitting older models remains a technical challenge, so enforcement for existing ACs may initially be advisory. However, incentives and public campaigns could nudge users towards adopting the new standard voluntarily. Over time, stricter regulations could apply universally.
The Bigger Picture: Green Energy and Storage
This AC temperature rule is part of a broader national effort to transition towards sustainable energy practices. Alongside demand management, the government is boosting investments in renewable energy storage to ensure long-term sustainability.
Manohar Lal Khattar revealed that the government will soon float tenders inviting companies to build battery energy storage systems with a total capacity of 30 gigawatt-hours (GWh). These batteries will help store energy generated from solar and wind sources, allowing the grid to distribute power more efficiently—even when renewable generation is low.
To attract investment, the Centre is offering ₹5,400 crore in subsidies to participating companies. The tendering process is expected to roll out within the next three months.
What This Means for You
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Less Customization, More Efficiency:
You may have less control over ultra-low temperatures, but your electricity bills could drop significantly. Standardizing AC temperatures will likely push more people to use energy-saving settings. -
Impact on Comfort Levels:
Critics argue that in cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Nagpur where temperatures soar above 45°C, even 20°C feels insufficient. However, experts suggest using ceiling fans in conjunction with ACs to improve perceived cooling. -
Environmental Benefits:
This move will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, most of which still run on coal. Energy saved at the consumer level means fewer carbon emissions at the source. -
Future Regulations:
The government may extend similar energy-efficiency regulations to other appliances like heaters, refrigerators, and water coolers. This would help standardize domestic power usage and improve India’s overall energy rating.
Global Precedents
India isn't alone in its push for AC temperature regulation. Countries like Japan and the UAE already recommend or enforce minimum AC temperature settings to save energy. In Japan, for instance, government offices are required to keep air conditioning set at 28°C during summer.
Final Thoughts
As temperatures rise and energy resources are pushed to their limits, India is taking steps toward a more sustainable future—one policy at a time. The proposed rule to limit air conditioner temperatures between 20°C and 28°C is just one part of a broader vision that includes renewable energy, storage innovation, and smarter consumption habits.
While this regulation may take time to get used to, it’s a step in the right direction. It challenges us to think not just about personal comfort, but about national responsibility and environmental stewardship.
As the climate crisis intensifies and urban populations grow, energy-saving innovations like this one will become less of an option and more of a necessity. And that might just help us build a cooler, cleaner India—without having to turn the thermostat all the way down.
