Mandatory AC Temp Limits May Come Only After 2050, Says Environment Minister

 June 28, 2025 – The implementation of a mandatory temperature range for air conditioners in India, particularly the widely discussed 20 to 28 degrees Celsius limit, is unlikely to happen anytime soon, according to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. His clarification, made on Friday, June 27, 2025, suggests that such a rule, if introduced, would be a very long-term goal, potentially even after 2050.

Speaking at the India Climate Summit, Yadav addressed questions about the timeline for enforcing the proposed AC temperature limits, which had earlier generated considerable public discussion. "I do not think it will happen immediately; capacities will be gradually built for it over time," Yadav stated, adding that such a situation "may arise only after 2050."

The Environment Minister emphasized that India's climate targets must align with its national circumstances and the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC). He highlighted that India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), submitted to the UN climate body, prioritize ensuring "access to energy to its people," underscoring the balance between climate action and developmental needs.

The concept of regulating AC temperatures gained prominence earlier this month when Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar indicated that air conditioners in India would soon be required to operate within a fixed range of 20 to 28 degrees Celsius, prohibiting settings below or above this limit. This proposal was primarily aimed at reducing electricity consumption, especially during peak summer demand.

According to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), most ACs in India are currently set between 20 and 21 degrees Celsius, though the ideal comfort range, balancing comfort and energy use, is considered 24 to 25 degrees Celsius. BEE studies suggest that raising the AC temperature by just 1 degree Celsius can save about 6 percent of electricity, and an increase from 20 to 24 degrees Celsius could lead to energy savings of up to 24 percent.

With India adding 10-15 million new ACs annually and projections of 130-150 million more over the next decade, energy efficiency in cooling remains a critical concern for the country's power grid. However, Minister Yadav's latest statement clarifies that a mandatory cap on AC temperatures is not an immediate government plan and would require significant infrastructural and behavioral shifts over decades.