Overview

• The Ministry of Power’s draft rule requires new air conditioners to cap their lowest setting at 20°C, up from the current 17°C minimum.
• Enforcement dates, technical specifications and compliance mechanisms remain undefined as officials seek input from industry and consumer groups.
• Government data shows each degree increase in thermostat setpoint can yield roughly 6% energy savings nationwide.
• Researchers estimate room ACs accounted for about a quarter of India’s peak electricity demand in 2024 amid annual sales of 10–15 million units.
• Energy experts warn that pairing the thermostat cap with stricter efficiency standards and building retrofits is crucial to avert looming power shortages and cut emissions.