Government Bid- AC’s temperature should be between 20 and 25, is this the solution to the ‘real problem’? Or surface solution

This issue is not just that how many degrees AC moves or electricity bills come down. Actually, this debate is on how to create a system in which all people can get relief from the heat, save energy and our environment is also safe. In the column of the Indian Express, the idea of ​​both sides (sides and opposition) has been presented on this issue. On the basis of that, we have written this article.

Government’s decision, time needed

Expert Chandra Bhushan, who works on environmental issues, believes that this proposal to install a temperature cap on AC is not a simple rule, but it is a big step that can start discussing the issues related to energy policy and development in India. He says that as urbanization and middle class is increasing, the demand for AC is also increasing rapidly. For example, in the year 2022, around 7.5 million ACs were sold and in 2024 it has doubled to 15 million. Experts believe that if this trend remains, then by 2030 India will become the largest AC market in the world.

Bhushan says that even today, only 30% of the houses in India are AC, but in summer, half the electricity of the entire country is spent only in running AC. It is a matter of thinking that as AC increases, our electricity consumption will increase equally. A direct effect of this is that we have to make electricity from more coal, which makes the problem of pollution and climate change even bigger.

Bhushan believes that now AC is no longer a luxury. It has become essential for health, working ability and social balance. Therefore, such suggestions, such as the limit of the temperature, are necessary… so that we can start a big debate. For example, who are the people who need the most cold air? Can we deliver cooling to all? Can such technology be adopted so that AC works more in less electricity?

Bhushan also suggests that India should work on such new technology, so that ACs can become more energy efficient. AC with new technology can spend five times less electricity than today’s five star AC. If the government wants, then with subsidy, regulation and market support, it can bring rapid changes in this direction.

This superficial solution, the real problem will remain the same

Now let’s talk about the second aspect of this proposal. Some experts feel that by limiting AC temperature, only the solution will be found on the surface, the real problem will remain the same. Economist Trisha government expresses concern about this. She gives the example of the heat of Delhi, when people go to malls, metro stations and shops where AC is installed to get a little cool. If the rule of not implementing the AC below 20 degrees is implemented, then the most problems will be for those who are already troubled by the heat and who have limited paths to get cold air.

Trisha asks whether this rule will be really effective, when the planning of our cities is such that there are cement buildings everywhere, there are black asphalt roads and trees are negligible? In such a situation, the heat will feel more and people will remain dependent on AC under compulsion.

He says that we should focus on the design of the entire city instead of just focusing on AC. If we make cities where there are green trees, water sources, shade on the roads, and such buildings that are cold in a natural way, then the need for AC will automatically reduce. Today, high buildings made of glass and cement in cities imprison the heat, causing the cities to become more hot and the demand for AC increases even more.

Trisha also says that the solution to energy crisis cannot be found only from technology. For this, changes will have to be made in society and system. Today the poor have neither cold shade nor water, nor facility to install AC. In such a situation, if the AC temperature is banned, then the maximum damage will happen to those people who are already in trouble.

Therefore, it is important that the government should not be limited to installing a temperature cap only on AC, but thinks at the big level. We should promote energy saving technology, improve the planning of cities and ensure cooling facilities for everyone, especially for poor and weaker sections.