Regulation of Air Conditioner Temperature Settings in India

GS3 – Environment

Context

The government has proposed new guidelines to regulate the operational temperature range of air conditioners (ACs) across the country, aiming to improve energy efficiency and reduce electricity consumption.

Key Proposal

• Newly manufactured ACs will be required to operate within a preset temperature range of 20°C to 28°C.
• This initiative draws from Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) guidelines issued in 2018, which recommended optimal AC temperature settings in large commercial spaces.
• In 2020, a default temperature setting of 24°C was made mandatory for all ACs, though users could still manually adjust the temperature.

Why Temperature Standardization is Needed

• Energy Conservation:
  India’s cooling demand stands at about 50 GW, nearly 20% of the country’s peak electricity load. Raising the set temperature by just 1°C can lead to a 6% reduction in energy use.
• Future Demand Projection:
  With only 6% of Indian households currently using ACs, BEE projects the total AC-related load may rise to 200 GW by 2030.
• Enhanced Efficiency:
  Standardizing AC temperatures in enclosed public spaces like auditoriums and conference halls could improve overall power consumption efficiency.
• Cost Savings:
  According to government estimates, tighter regulations could help save up to 60 GW of peak demand by 2035, potentially avoiding ₹7.5 trillion in investments for new power infrastructure.
• Grid Relief:
  Excessive cooling demand, especially in summer when many units are set as low as 16°C, puts severe pressure on the electricity grid, resulting in power outages.
• International Precedent:
  Japan, for example, has guidelines encouraging ACs in public buildings to be set at 28°C, serving as a global example for climate-conscious cooling.

Challenges and Concerns

• Limited Impact Scope:
  The reform may primarily impact only those users who prefer extremely low indoor temperatures, hence its overall impact on energy savings could be modest.
• Reduced User Autonomy:
  Standardized settings may be viewed as restricting personal comfort, particularly in private homes.
• Perception of State Overreach:
  Mandatory regulation on indoor temperature settings may be seen as excessive government interference in individual or business decisions.
• Discomfort Issues:
  As thermal comfort is subjective, a uniform temperature standard might not suit everyone and may lead to discomfort or decreased workplace productivity.

Alternative and Complementary Solutions

• Improved Architectural Design:
  Encouraging better building design and passive cooling methods can significantly cut down reliance on ACs. However, enforcement of energy-efficient building codes remains weak.
• Enhancing Appliance Efficiency:
  The BEE star-rating system classifies ACs from 1-star (least efficient) to 5-star (most efficient). Yet, only about 20% of ACs sold are 5-star rated.
• Additional Measures:
  • Public awareness campaigns promoting efficient AC usage.
  • Making 5-star ACs mandatory in government procurement.
  • Offering lower GST for energy-efficient models.
  • Introducing buy-back/exchange programs for old AC units.