The Indian government is planning a new rule that will stop you from setting your air conditioner below 20°C, even during very hot days.
This rule will apply not only to home ACs but also to those in hotels and cars. Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said this move is part of a bigger effort to save electricity and manage the country’s growing energy needs.
New Temperature Limits for ACs
At a recent event in Delhi, Khattar explained, “We are introducing a rule that sets the AC temperature between 20°C and 28°C.
This means you won’t be able to cool below 20°C or heat above 28°C. It’s the first time such a standard is being tried to regulate AC use.”
Why the Government Wants Standard AC Temperatures
The main goal is to reduce electricity use, especially in summer when demand peaks. Many people run their ACs at very low temperatures, sometimes as low as 16°C, which puts huge pressure on the power grid.
Pankaj Agarwal, a senior official from the Power Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, said ACs consume about 50 gigawatts of power—roughly one-fifth of India’s peak electricity load.
“Research shows that raising the AC temperature by just 1°C can cut energy use by 6%. If everyone sets their AC 1 degree higher, we could save about 3 gigawatts during peak demand,” Agarwal told Bloomberg.
India has nearly 100 million AC units, with 15 million more added every year. Small changes in usage can lead to big power savings.
Big Energy Savings Possible
Stricter energy rules for ACs could save up to 60 gigawatts of peak electricity demand by 2035.
This would help avoid spending ₹7.5 trillion (about $88 billion) on new power plants and grid infrastructure, according to a University of California, Berkeley study cited by Bloomberg.
Fighting Blackouts and Heatwaves
India often faces power outages during summer heatwaves due to high electricity demand.
Last summer, India’s power use hit a record 250 gigawatts, and it may reach 270 gigawatts this year.
Although heavy rains in May helped lower demand, heatwaves in June caused usage to rise again. On one recent day, demand reached nearly 241 gigawatts—the highest this year.
Khattar said, “Even if demand hits 270 gigawatts, we are ready to handle it.”
Standardizing AC temperatures will reduce pressure on the power grid during these peak times, making blackouts less likely.
Boosting Green Energy and Storage
Along with AC rules, the government plans to expand renewable energy use.
Khattar said the government will invite companies to build battery storage systems with a total capacity of 30 gigawatt-hours.
These batteries will store solar and wind energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The government will offer ₹5,400 crore in subsidies to encourage companies. Tender invitations will be issued in three months, he added.
