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15h ago

India Defers 20–28°C Air Conditioner Temperature Cap Until Post-2050

Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said the planned 20–28°C range will roll out gradually in line with national climate obligations under CBDR-RC.

Adjusting the setting from 20°C to 24°C could potentially save up to 24% of energy.
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Overview

  • At the India Climate Summit, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said enforcement of the 20–28°C AC temperature range is unlikely before 2050 and will require gradual capacity building.
  • The proposal was announced earlier this month by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to curb soaring electricity demand driven by a surge in air conditioner sales.
  • The Bureau of Energy Efficiency recommends setting ACs at 24–25°C to optimize comfort and efficiency and notes that each 1°C increase in thermostat temperature can reduce power use by about 6%.
  • India adds 10–15 million new air conditioners annually, pushing the household sector’s share of electricity consumption from 22% in 2012–13 to 25% in 2022–23 and heightening peak power pressures.
  • A study by the India Energy and Climate Center at UC Berkeley finds that doubling room AC efficiency over the next decade could save consumers up to Rs 2.2 lakh crore in electricity costs.