• Source:JND
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India is facing a historic surge in power demand due to an intense heatwave. States like Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are witnessing temperatures above 45°C, with the "real feel" nearing 49°C. Amid this, the rising use of air conditioners is putting immense pressure on the electricity grid. To address this, the government is preparing a framework to standardise AC temperature settings between 20°C and 28°C to conserve energy.

Union Power Minister and former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced on Tuesday the proposed provisions to regulate AC temperatures across India. Khattar said that the initiative is aimed at reducing the power usage across households and commercial spaces in the country.

"Regarding air conditioning standards, a new provision is being implemented soon. The temperature standardisation for ACs will be set between 20 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees Celsius, meaning we won't be able to cool below 20 degrees Celsius or warm above 28 degrees Celsius. This is a first-of-its-kind experiment, aiming to standardise temperature settings," Manohar Lal Khattar said, as quoted by ANI.

What Is The New Framework For Standardising AC Temperatures In India?

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Ministry of Power, is drafting a framework to standardise default temperatures of air conditioners in the range of 20 to 28 degrees Celsius to improve energy efficiency in the country. According to a report by PTI, quoting BEE officials, discussions are underway on the subject, but no final decision has been taken so far on the exact range of temperatures or any timeframe.

"Consultations are going on, and once it's over, guidelines will be finalised accordingly. Some states have requested to consider the humidity they have while making the guidelines," Manohar Lal Khattar said.

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If the proposed framework gets the government's nod, AC users across India, whether in homes or commercial settings, won't be able to reduce their minimum AC temperature below 20 degrees Celsius. Similarly, the maximum AC temperature will be capped at 28 degrees Celsius.

What's The Need To Regulate AC Temperatures?

India has been witnessing a massive surge in peak power demand during the summer season. The power demand in India, which reached 241 gigawatts on June 9, has seen a twofold rise in the last 10 years. In 2013-14, the peak power demand in India was at 130 gigawatts. In 2024-25, the demand is nearing 250 gigawatts and is expected to touch 270 gigawatts in 2025-26.

As per BEE, air conditioners, when used at very low temperatures, increase the load on the electricity grid. Indians mostly set their ACs at 20 to 22 degrees Celsius, which, as per BEE, is much lower than what is needed for comfort. As a result, power use goes up, leading to higher electricity bills and more emissions from coal power plants.

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To address this, the government plans to set 20°C as the lowest limit for cooling and 28°C as the highest for heating. This move is meant to save energy, reduce pressure on the power grid, and cut down harmful emissions. Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal said the move is aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing excessive energy usage caused by setting air conditioners at extremely low temperatures in the country.

"Reduction of even 1 degree helps save 6 per cent of energy. There are crores of ACs in the country, and every year, new ones are getting inducted. So you can imagine the savings," he said, quoted by PTI.

What are the proposed AC temperature rules?

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is working on a plan that could make it mandatory for ACs to

- Not cool below 20°

- Not heat above 28°C


Currently, most ACs in India allow settings between 16°C and 32°C. Under the proposed plan, manufacturers may be required to update or reprogramme ACs to restrict these limits.

Who announced these AC norms?

Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced the plan during a press interaction on Tuesday. He said the move is an "experiment to standardise temperature settings" and would apply across residential and commercial spaces if implemented.

Is this rule already in effect?

No. The framework is still under discussion. According to officials, consultations are ongoing with states and industry stakeholders. No date for enforcement has been finalised. Some states have requested that humidity and local weather conditions be considered while framing the final guidelines.

How will it affect AC users and companies?

If approved:


- Users won’t be able to set their ACs below 20°C or above 28°C.


- AC makers will have to reprogramme existing devices or issue software updates to comply with the rule.

What is the impact of running ACs at low temperatures? 

According to BEE, most Indians set ACs at 20–22°C, far lower than what is thermally comfortable. This drastically increases electricity use, emissions and strain on coal-based power plants. Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal said, "Reduction of even 1°C saves about 6% in energy. With crores of ACs in the country, the potential savings are huge."

Quick Facts About the Government's Proposed Initiative

- AC temperature setting cap proposed: 20°C to 28°C

- Applies to: Homes, offices, commercial spaces

- Status: Framework under discussion, not implemented yet

- Why the cap? Due to a record rise in Power demand

- 1°C temp increase = 6% energy saved (BEE estimate)