The Indian government is preparing to introduce new regulations to standardise air conditioner (AC) temperature settings. Under this new rule, ACs will not be allowed to cool below 20°C or heat above 28°C. This is a first-of-its-kind experiment aimed at standardising temperature settings across the country. The rule will apply to residential, commercial, and vehicle air conditioning systems.

The primary objective is to reduce electricity consumption, particularly during the peak summer months when demand surges. Many households and businesses currently set their ACs as low as 16°C, putting significant strain on the power grid.

According to officials, air conditioners currently account for around 50 gigawatts of electricity consumption, roughly one-fifth of India’s maximum power load.

India frequently experiences electricity blackouts during heatwaves due to surging demand. Last summer, national power usage reached a record 250 gigawatts, and this year it is expected to rise to 270 gigawatts. Standardising AC temperatures aims to reduce pressure on the grid, helping prevent outages during peak periods. 

Research indicates that raising the temperature setting by just 1°C can reduce energy use by 6%. This means that if AC temperatures are increased by a single degree across the country, India could save up to 3 gigawatts of power during peak usage periods.

With approximately 100 million air conditioners already in use, and 15 million more installed every year, even modest adjustments could lead to substantial energy savings.