India’s AC Temperature Plan Ignites Debate Over Energy vs. Comfort

New Delhi, India, June 12, 2025 – A government proposal to regulate air conditioner temperatures across India, setting them between 20°C and 28°C, has sparked a heated clash. While the plan aims to save energy, critics call it heavy-handed, arguing it ignores India’s diverse climates and personal needs. Here’s why the idea is dividing the nation.

A Plan That’s Heating Up

The proposal is bold:

• Announced by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, it seeks to standardize AC settings to curb energy use.
• New ACs would default to a 20–28°C range, with 24°C as a suggested midpoint, starting in 2026.
• The rule would apply to homes, offices, and even vehicles, a first-of-its-kind move.

The idea has stirred a national storm.

Why People Are Upset

Critics are vocal:

• Opposition leaders say it’s government overreach, with one tweeting, “Thermostats aren’t for Delhi to control.”
• Mumbai’s humid summers need cooler settings than Delhi’s dry heat, they argue.
• Health experts warn 24°C could stress vulnerable groups, like the elderly, in 45°C regions.

The one-size-fits-all approach feels rigid to many.

Industry’s Big Concerns

AC makers are worried:

• Retrofitting older ACs to comply could cost billions, hitting small businesses hard.
• Servicing non-smart ACs to enforce the rule may overwhelm technicians.
• One industry leader said, “Innovation, not mandates, should drive efficiency.”

The sector fears a costly burden.

#WATCH | Delhi: Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar says, "Regarding air conditioning standards, a new provision is being implemented soon. The temperature standardization for ACs will be set between 20°C to 28°C, meaning we won't be able to cool below… pic.twitter.com/Iwnaa4ZPKN

— ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2025

What the Government Says

The plan has clear goals:

• ACs eat up 40% of summer electricity, straining India’s power grid.
• Standardizing temperatures could save ₹5,000 crore yearly in energy bills.
• It supports India’s pledge to cut millions of tons of CO2 emissions by 2030.

The government sees it as a green necessity.

India’s Climate Puzzle

Regions differ sharply:

• Chennai’s sticky 80% humidity calls for 22°C to feel comfortable.
• Jaipur’s dry heat works fine at 26°C, saving power.
• Places like Shimla often skip ACs altogether.

A single temperature rule struggles to fit all.

How People Are Reacting

Voices are loud online:

• A parent posted, “My kids need cooler rooms—will I face fines?”
• Social media trends slam the plan, with hashtags like “CoolingFreedom” trending.
• An engineer suggested, “Let cities set their own limits based on climate.”

Public frustration mixes with calls for compromise.

Lessons from Abroad

Other nations offer clues:

• Japan sets offices at 28°C, saving energy since 2005, though some grumble.
• Singapore uses 25°C for public spaces, balancing comfort and cost.
• California asks residents to ease AC use during power shortages.

Global examples show trade-offs.

What’s Next for the Plan

The debate is far from over:

• A draft rule is open for public feedback until July 15, 2025, via a government portal.
• Legal challenges may arise, with critics eyeing federal overreach claims.
• Tech startups are pitching smart thermostats that adjust to local weather.

India’s cooling future hangs in the balance.