Centre plans to fix default AC temperature to ease power load

 

As India faces record-breaking electricity demand driven by extreme heat and soaring use of air conditioners, the government is preparing to introduce new guidelines to standardise default AC temperature settings. Led by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), the move aims to improve energy efficiency, reduce stress on the power grid, and align consumer behaviour with long-term sustainability goals.

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In a move aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and easing pressure on the power grid, the Indian government is preparing to introduce new regulations that would set a standard default temperature range for air conditioners. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Ministry of Power, is leading the initiative, which proposes a fixed temperature range of 20°C to 28°C for all air conditioners used in residential, commercial, and vehicular settings.

The decision comes at a time when India is grappling with record-breaking electricity demand, driven largely by rising temperatures and the growing use of cooling appliances. On June 9, the country hit an all-time high in power demand at 241 GW, underscoring the urgency for interventions that can help reduce load on the grid.

Officials from the Ministry of Power have indicated that consultations are ongoing with state governments and manufacturers to develop a uniform framework. Union Power Minister Manohar Lal mentioned that several states have requested the inclusion of humidity-related factors in the new guidelines, which are still under review. The government is also reportedly engaging with automakers to explore similar temperature regulations for vehicle air conditioning systems.

Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal highlighted the potential benefits of the initiative, noting that even a one-degree increase in temperature setting could result in a six percent reduction in energy consumption. Given the scale of AC usage in India—with millions of units currently in operation and many more being added annually—the cumulative impact of such a measure could be significant in easing the strain on the power infrastructure.

The proposed regulation has been welcomed by industry players. A spokesperson from LG Electronics India described the move as progressive and aligned with global trends in sustainable energy. According to the spokesperson, standardising temperature settings could enhance appliance performance and durability, improve energy efficiency, and contribute to user health by encouraging more balanced indoor temperatures.

While no official notification or implementation timeline has been confirmed yet, sources from BEE indicated that the plan is in an advanced stage, and stakeholder inputs are actively being incorporated before finalising the guidelines.

Industry Concerns: Energy Demand Beyond Households

While households and offices are the primary focus of this regulation, the broader industrial energy landscape also warrants attention. With India’s ambitions to become a US$ 5 trillion economy and a global manufacturing hub, the demand for uninterrupted and stable power supply in industrial zones has never been greater.

Industries ranging from steel and cement to pharmaceuticals and electronics are power-intensive and operate on tight efficiency margins. Many stakeholders have voiced concerns about whether India’s current power infrastructure can simultaneously support the country’s rising residential cooling demand and its industrial energy requirements—especially during peak summer months.

Energy analysts note that while curbing residential energy use through efficient cooling is a positive step, industrial energy consumption patterns must also be evaluated for optimization. Measures such as smart grid deployment, time-of-day tariffs, captive solar solutions, and improved demand forecasting are being increasingly recommended to ensure that the needs of both households and industries can be met without disruptions.

Some experts argue that India’s current electricity infrastructure, though rapidly evolving, needs to scale faster to match the pace of electrification, urbanisation, and climate volatility. Peak load management, improved storage capabilities, and grid modernization are seen as essential components in preparing for the next wave of power demand especially as electrification expands beyond cooling into areas like EV charging and digital infrastructure.

The upcoming guidelines mark a crucial step in aligning consumer behaviour with national energy goals. However, the challenge will be to ensure that such policies are complemented by broader infrastructure upgrades. Without strategic energy planning that includes residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, even well-intentioned reforms could fall short of their full potential.

By mandating optimal AC temperature settings, the government not only aims to reduce pressure on the power grid but also sets a precedent for integrated energy governance. The success of this initiative may well depend on how it is communicated, implemented, and supported across sectors and whether India can keep pace with its own rising power ambitions.