India’s New AC Rule: Minimum 20°C Setting to Save Energy and Prevent Power Shortages

Bengaluru, India – July 14, 2025

India’s government is working on a new rule that would stop air conditioners from being set too cold. The plan is to limit AC temperature settings so the lowest is 20 °C (68 °F). The goal? Save energy—and help protect the country’s electricity supply.

📉 Why This Rule Matters

1. Huge AC Demand:

• India is the fastest-growing market for air conditioners. Each year, between 10 million and 15 million new units are sold.  

• Many Indian homes—and even offices—own at least one AC now, especially in the scorching summer months.

2. High Energy Use During Peak Times:

• On the hottest days, temperatures in parts of India can reach 51 °C (124 °F). 

• Researchers from UC Berkeley found that home ACs can use up to one-quarter of India’s electricity during these peak times. ()

• From 2019 to 2024, new AC usage added as much demand as powering New Delhi for a whole year. 

3. Energy Efficiency Impact:

• For every one-degree increase in temperature (like turning the AC up from 17 °C to 18 °C), energy use drops about 6%.  

• That’s why the government wants to make 20 °C the new lowest temperature setting.

🛠️ How the Rule Would Work

• New ACs Only: This applies to air conditioners sold in the future in India—not the older ones that people already have. 

• Minimum Temperature Limit: Settings below 20 °C would be disabled. Previously, users could go as low as 17 °C (62 °F). 

• Targeted Savings: With millions of ACs being sold yearly, even this small thermostat change can reduce electricity demand significantly.

🧠 Expert Opinions & Public Response

• Energy Experts:

• Many say it’s a good first step, but bigger gains need improved efficiency standards and replacing very old ACs. 

• Nikit Abhyankar from UC Berkeley explains that Delhi and other cities now have two daily peaks for power demand—afternoon and late night—mainly because of cooling. He notes that daytime solar power helps, but nighttime energy still depends on fossil fuels. 

• Government Plans:

• Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said the rule will take effect soon, but didn’t provide an exact date. 

• He also highlighted other eco-friendly efforts, like the “Mission Life” campaign launched in 2022. It encourages citizens to reduce energy use, emissions, and also urges using fans instead of ACs. 

• Public Views:

• Supportive: Sunil Kumar, a tuk-tuk driver in Delhi, thinks the rule could lower electricity bills and reduce fire hazards. He said, “People used to live without air conditioners. We can adjust.” 

• Concerned: Vikram Kannan, a teacher from Chennai, said low temperatures are sometimes necessary in hot, humid weather, especially for his young daughter. He worries this rule might cause discomfort. 

• Critical: Surjeet Singh, a businessman in New Delhi, commented that setting ACs so low is “unnecessary” and added that planting more trees could help cool cities naturally. 

🌍 Why the Rule Is Important

• Reducing Power Risk:

• Without such changes, power shortages might start as early as next year. 

• Most of India’s power still comes from coal and other fossil fuels, which means higher CO₂ emissions. ()

• Boosting Long-Term Sustainability:

• The government is also discussing replacing older AC units with more efficient models—for example, five-star rated ones that use much less energy.  

• There’s also talk of tightening efficiency standards overall—many current models in India wouldn’t be allowed in China. 

✅ Small Habits That Help

Experts suggest simple habits to reduce electricity use without reducing comfort:

🕊️ Looking Ahead

• Timeline: Implementation is “soon,” though a specific rollout date hasn’t been given. 

• Next Steps:

• The government might require AC manufacturers to meet tougher energy-efficiency rules.

• They may also offer incentives to replace older, inefficient units. ()

• Efforts could expand to urban greening, smarter homes, and consumer awareness campaigns.

✅ In Summary

India’s plan to limit AC temperature settings to 20 °C aims to save energy and help avoid power shortages. It’s a green step forward—but needs public support and stronger efficiency rules to work best. By shifting habits and promoting newer, smarter AC models, India can cool its cities more sustainably.