Government’s AC regulation plan sparks online frenzy
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The Indian government is preparing to roll out a new regulation that would cap the temperature range of air conditioners across the country in an effort to curb electricity consumption and reduce strain on the national power grid.
Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar revealed the proposal at a recent event in Delhi, calling it a “first-of-its-kind experiment.”
The plan seeks to standardise air conditioner settings within a temperature range of 20°C to 28°C. “Regarding air conditioning standards, a new provision is being implemented soon,” Khattar said, noting its role in broader energy-saving initiatives.
The announcement has sparked a wide array of reactions on social media.
Some users have taken a humorous approach, with one remarking, “One nation, one temperature.”
Others appreciated the energy-conscious move, with one user saying, “I put it at 24-26. It helps keep the bill low and reduces pressure on the AC.”
But not everyone is happy.
A skeptical user commented, “Next thing you know, they’ll be regulating our TV volume,” while another sarcastically suggested, “Stop the power supply so they can’t use anything, and then the future is green.”
The timing of the initiative is particularly notable. As summers in India become increasingly intense, air conditioners are becoming a household essential. However, using ACs at low temperatures like 16°C has led to spikes in energy demand, especially during peak hours.
To implement the change, manufacturers will be required to modify air conditioners—either through system reprogramming or software updates—so they adhere to the 20°C–28°C limit. Officials say this move will not only conserve electricity but also reduce the carbon emissions produced by coal-based power plants, which remain the country’s primary energy source.
According to Pankaj Agarwal, a senior official involved in both the power and housing ministries, the potential savings from such a policy are significant. “If everyone sets their ACs just 1 degree higher, we can save about 3 gigawatts of power during peak times,” he stated in a Bloomberg report.
India currently has around 100 million air conditioners in operation, with an estimated 15 million new units being added annually. A study by the University of California, Berkeley, indicates that India could save up to Rs 7.5 trillion ($88 billion) in future energy infrastructure costs by reducing peak power demand by 60 gigawatts by the year 2035.
