The Indian government is set to implement a groundbreaking regulation that will standardize air conditioning temperature settings across the country. On Tuesday, announced by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, the new rule will mandate that air conditioners cannot be set below 20°C or above 28°C. This initiative aims to address excessive electricity consumption, particularly during peak summer months when air conditioning usage significantly strains the power supply.
Current Scenario
Air conditioners in India often allow temperature settings ranging from 16℃ to 30℃. Most users set their ACs between 18℃ and 22℃, unaware that this increases power consumption sharply. India's demand for cooling energy is rising rapidly due to increasing urbanisation, rising income levels, intense and prolonged heatwaves and climate change-include temperature extremes.
What is the New Rule?
The new regulation in India regarding air conditioning units represents a significant upgrade to previous guidelines. Here are the key points regarding this initiative:
New Regulation Overview:
Temperature Settings: All new air conditioning units sold in India will be pre-configured to not cool below 20°C or heat above 28°C. This applies to various types of air conditioning systems, including residential, commercial, institutional, and vehicular ACs.
Background: This regulation builds upon the 2018 Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) guidelines, which recommended a voluntary default temperature setting of 24°C. The shift to mandatory temperature limits reflects a more stringent approach to energy conservation.
Objectives
Energy Efficiency: The primary goal of this regulation is to enhance energy efficiency and reduce the overall electricity consumption associated with air conditioning, especially during peak demand periods.
Environmental Impact: By limiting the operational range of air conditioners, the government aims to decrease carbon emissions and promote sustainable energy practices.
Economic Saving: Estimated national savings of 18,000-20,000 crore in electricity bills over 3 years.
Grid Load Management: ACs contribute to peak electricity load, especially during summers. Standardisation reduces stress on grid.
Environment and Economic Impact
Energy Saving Potential- Each 1°C increase in temperature setting reduces power consumption by 6°C. Avoiding setting like 16°C and fixing it at 24-26°C leads to major kWh savings nationally.
Peak Load Reduction- During summer, ACs contribute to 40-60% of electricity load in cities. This move is expected to reduce India's peak electricity demand by over 3 GW.
Environment Gains- Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, especially if power is coal-based. Supports India's Nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the paris agreement.
Challenges in Implementation
Consumer Resistance: Many users are habituated to settings below 20°C especially in high humidity regions.
Manufacturer Compliance: Companies will need to redesign settings, firmware and remote configurations.
Monitoring Mechanisms: Ensuring that imported or order ACs comply is difficult.
Government's Complementary Measures
Battery Storage Investment: Gov announced Rs 5,400 crore Viability Gap Funding for developing 30 GWh of battery energy storage to balance renewable energy supply.
Energy Efficiency Labelling (BEE): Star-rating system encourage manufacturers nad consumers to adopt energy-efficient devices. Cool Roof and Green Building Guigelines are also being pushed for passive cooling.
International Comparisons
Japan- Recommended default of 28°C in summer.
USA- Energy Star recommends 25.5°C for cooling.
China- Regulation on public buildings to keep AC ≥26°C.
India- Now mandating 20°C-28°C range (first in South Asia).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Indian government's new regulation mandating that air conditioning units cannot cool below 20°C or heat above 28°C represents a significant step towards enhancing energy efficiency and promoting sustainable practices across various sectors. This initiative is expected to yield substantial environmental benefits, including reduced energy consumption and lower carbon emissions, contributing to India's climate change mitigation efforts.
Economically, the regulation offers potential cost savings for consumers through decreased electricity bills and may stimulate innovation and job creation within the energy-efficient technology sector. While there may be challenges in adapting to these new standards, the long-term advantages of a more sustainable and energy-efficient approach to air conditioning are clear.
Ultimately, the success of this regulation will depend on effective implementation, public awareness, and a collective commitment to embracing energy conservation as a vital component of India's development strategy. By fostering a culture of sustainability, India can pave the way for a greener future while balancing economic growth and environmental responsibility.
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