The Union Ministry of Power’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has started a national campaign to encourage energy-efficient cooling techniques as India struggles with rising temperatures and demands. Announced in early 2025, the project aims to minimize energy consumption, lower consumer expenses, and lessen environmental impact by promoting the responsible use of air conditioners (AC). The BEE’s primary recommendation is that raising the AC temperature to 24°C can slash energy consumption. This straightforward change might result in 6% electricity savings for every degree the temperature is raised. This program promotes sustainable practices that benefit people and the environment, focusing on high-usage cities like Hyderabad.

The Science Behind the Savings

Data demonstrating notable energy savings supports the BEE’s recommendation to raise the AC temperature settings. The BEE estimates that a mere 1°C increase in AC temperature can result in a 6% reduction in power usage. Although the BEE points out that raising ac temperature to 24°C can slash energy consumption and is still appropriate for most users, most air conditioners are set around 20–21°C. A significant 24% reduction in electricity consumption could result from raising the temperature from 20°C to 24°C. In addition to reducing electricity costs, this change supports general energy-saving objectives.

According to the BEE, 10 billion power units would be saved yearly if 50% of Indian AC consumers switched to 24°C. This results in an annual reduction of 8.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions and a financial savings of ₹10,000 crore. These numbers highlight the dual advantages of lower consumer costs and a notable reduction in the environmental impact of cooling systems, both of which are crucial as national temperatures rise.

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Targeting High-Usage Regions

Because of rising temperatures and increasing urbanization, the BEE has deliberately targeted its campaign at cities with heavy AC usage, including Hyderabad, where cooling demands have increased. The number of air conditioners installed in homes and businesses has increased in Hyderabad, a city renowned for its hot and muggy weather. However, the city’s electricity grid is under stress due to this increasing reliance on cooling equipment, which has also boosted carbon emissions. The BEE program seeks to address these issues by promoting energy-efficient methods specific to these high-demand areas.

The campaign in Hyderabad aims to inform consumers about the advantages of increasing air conditioning temperatures through workshops, awareness drives, and partnerships with local government agencies. To facilitate users’ adoption of energy-saving habits from the start, the BEE is also collaborating with AC manufacturers raising AC temperature to 24°C can slash energy consumption, and the BEE intends to have a cascading impact by focussing on high-usage regions, encouraging other cities to follow suit and together support national energy saving objectives.

Economic and Environmental Effects

The BEE program has significant environmental ramifications. Due to the electricity they consume, which fossil fuel-based power plants frequently produce, and the refrigerants they utilize, which have a high potential for global warming, air conditioners are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. The initiative might reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 8.2 million tonnes yearly by lowering power use by 10 billion units through the 24°C setting. This cut is a crucial step in meeting India’s climate pledges, which include a 45% reduction in emissions intensity by 2030.

The advantages are just as substantial from an economic standpoint. The BEE calculates that 20 billion units, or ₹10,000 crore, of energy might be saved yearly by AC temperature adjustments. This results in substantial electricity bill reductions for individual customers, especially during the hottest summer months when AC demand is at its maximum. These reductions offer much-needed financial respite and encourage sustainable consumption in a nation where energy costs can cause significant hardship for businesses and people. Additionally, the campaign urges consumers to reset the default settings on their air conditioners. This straightforward procedure can be carried out without the need for new equipment or extra expenses.

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Challenges and Future Steps

The BEE campaign is unlikely to be widely adopted despite its optimistic outlook. Since many individuals are used to reducing AC temps for instant comfort, particularly during intense heat, changing consumer behavior is difficult. Ignoring the long-term advantages of energy-efficient techniques may also hamper participation. The BEE is stepping up its outreach initiatives to address these problems, educating the public through community involvement, local media, and digital platforms. Collaborations with utility providers to provide incentives, including rebates for energy-efficient use, are also being investigated to promote compliance.

The BEE intends to grow the campaign by incorporating it with other energy-saving initiatives, such as encouraging the adoption of energy-efficient equipment and enhancing building insulation to lower cooling requirements. If this project is successful, it might serve as a model for other energy-intensive industries, promoting a more widespread transition to sustainability. In addition to addressing the current energy use and climate change issues, the BEE hopes to lay the groundwork for long-term environmental stewardship in India by encouraging a culture of appropriate AC usage.

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