Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar has recently said that a new nationwide policy encouraging optimal Air Conditioner (AC) temperature settings in public and private establishments will be implemented soon. This will promote energy conservation and reduce environmental impact.
The minister said, “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 20°C or warm above 28°C. This is a first-of-its-kind experiment, aiming to standardize temperature settings.”
Under the newly proposed guidelines, all central government offices, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and public buildings are advised to maintain air conditioning temperatures at 24°C or above. The advisory will also be extended to private corporations, shopping malls, educational institutions, and residential societies.
Describing the purpose of the guideline, Lal said, “This is a step toward responsible energy consumption and long-term sustainability. With rising power demands, it’s imperative that we adopt smart practices that balance comfort with conservation.”
The move is part of a broader national campaign to reduce carbon emissions and minimize power wastage. It supports India’s commitment under the Paris Climate Agreement and aligns with energy efficiency efforts led by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
The ministry will soon launch a public awareness campaign to educate citizens and businesses on the benefits of optimal AC temperature settings, including potential energy savings of 15–20%.
