This will result in savings of 20 billion units of electricity in one year alone, says the Ministry.

Power Minister R.K. Singh said on June 22 that the government will consider making 24°C as mandatory default setting for air conditioners (ACs).

At a meeting with Mr. Singh, AC makers were also advised to have labelling indicating the optimum temperature setting for the benefit of consumers both from financial and health points of view, the Power Ministry said in a statement. The temperatures settings in ACs will be in the range of 24°C to 26°C, it said.

Mr. Singh launched a campaign to promote energy efficiency in the area of air conditioning. “Every 1°C increase in the air conditioner temperature setting results in saving of 6% of electricity consumed,” the statement quoted him as saying. “Normal human body temperature is approximately 36-37°C, but large number of commercial establishments, hotels and offices maintain temperature around 18-21°C. This is not only uncomfortable but is actually unhealthy.”

He was of the view that setting the temperature in the range of 18°C to 21°C compels people to wear warm clothing or use blankets; therefore, this is actually wastage of energy. Some countries like Japan have put in place regulation to keep the temperature at 28°C.

Therefore, he said that under the guidance of Ministry of Power, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has carried out a study and has recommended that the default setting in the air conditioning should be at 24°C. The new campaign will result in substantial energy savings and also reduce greenhouse gas emission, he added.

The Minister further said that to begin with this will be an advisory to be issued to all establishments and manufacturers. After an awareness campaign of four to six months, followed by a survey to gather public feedback, the Ministry of Power would consider making this mandatory, the Minister added.

Power Ministry estimates indicate that if all the consumers adopt the norm, this will result in savings of 20 billion units of electricity in one year alone.

According to the statement, AC makers at the meeting have agreed on this and appreciated it as a step in the right direction. They have agreed to support this campaign, it added.

BEE informed that, considering the current market trend, total connected load in India due to air conditioning will be 200 GW by 2030 and this may further increase as today only about 6% of households use ACs. As per the BEE’s current estimate total installed air conditioner capacity is 80 million TR (Ton of Refrigeration or 3.517 KW) in the country, which will increase to about 250 million TR by 2030. Considering this huge demand, India can save about 40 million units of electricity usage every day.

The targeted commercial buildings will include airports, hotels, shopping malls, officers and government buildings.