No More 16°C? Govt Plans to Standardise AC Temperatures Between 20°C–28°C Due to These Reasons
India Plans to Standardise AC Temperatures Between 20°C–28°C Due to These Reasons
New Delhi, June 11, 2025 — The Indian government is planning to standardise the minimum operating temperature of air conditioners at 20 degrees Celsius in a major step toward conserving energy and easing pressure on the nation’s power grid.
Power Minister Manohar Lal on Tuesday announced that the proposal is in early stages but under serious consideration. The plan, being developed in collaboration with appliance manufacturers, would apply to air conditioners used in homes, hotels, and even cars. Currently, many ACs in India allow users to set temperatures as low as 16°C.
“Temperatures would be set in the range of 20°C to 28°C,” Lal said during a press briefing in New Delhi, emphasising that this move aligns with the government’s broader strategy to enhance energy efficiency amid rising electricity consumption.
Why This Change?
India faces frequent power shortages during the scorching summer months of April to June, as demand often outpaces supply. Air conditioners alone account for nearly one-fifth (50 gigawatts) of the country’s peak power load, said Pankaj Agarwal, the top bureaucrat at the power ministry.
Raising the minimum AC temperature can significantly cut energy use. Experts estimate that every 1°C increase in AC temperature reduces electricity consumption by about 6%. By capping the lower limit at 20°C, India could potentially save up to 3 gigawatts of peak demand.
A study by the University of California, Berkeley, found that enhanced cooling efficiency standards could save India 60 gigawatts in peak demand by 2035—equivalent to ₹7.5 trillion ($88 billion) in avoided investments in new power infrastructure.
AC Demand and Future Power Plans
India currently operates around 100 million air conditioning units and adds approximately 15 million more each year. Last summer, the country’s power demand reached a record 250 gigawatts, and it’s projected to grow another 8% this year. Unseasonal rains in May provided temporary relief.
Despite the surge, the power minister assured that India is prepared to meet the peak demand, estimated at 270 gigawatts.
In a related development, the government is also inviting bids for 30 gigawatt-hours of battery storage projects, aimed at expanding renewable energy adoption and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
