Promote 5-star air-conditioners to save on energy, govt tells companies

Hyderabad: With India bracing for record-breaking power demand this summer, the Union government is intensifying its push for energy-efficient cooling solutions.

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Ministry of Power, Government of India, has urged air-conditioner manufacturers to accelerate the adoption of BEE 5-star-rated models, emphasising their critical role in reducing electricity consumption and ensuring grid stability.

Hyderabad will need modern cooling systems with an increasing population

He specifically mentioned rapid energy and also population growth of around 1 crore 30 lakhs by 2031 in Hyderabad Metropolitan City as per the reports where a lot of potentiality is prevailing for penetration of 5-star ACs which will immensely benefit the consumers.

India’s demand for air conditioning is soaring, with studies revealing that nearly 30 per cent of installed air conditioners (ACs) are over eight years old. These outdated models consume 40-50 per cent more electricity than modern energy-efficient units. As a matter of fact, many experts estimate that replacing older ACs with BEE 5-star-rated models could yield significant benefits.

What are the benefits of modern energy-efficient cooling units?

- Up to 60 per cent energy savings, lowering electricity bills for households and businesses.

- Reduced peak power demand, enhancing grid stability and energy security.

- Major climate impact, cutting millions of tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

In addition to upgrading AC units, simple behavioural changes can drive substantial energy savings. Setting air conditioners to 24°C instead of lower temperatures could save up to 10 billion kWh annually, translating into thousands of crores in energy cost reductions.

Recognising the immediate need and urgency, the BEE has called for an industry-led movement to promote energy-efficient cooling.

Accordingly, Milind Deore, secretary of BEE, has addressed a letter to air conditioning manufacturers and sought collaboration from manufacturers on a nationwide awareness campaign to encourage consumers to switch to BEE 5-star-rated models.

Benefits for companies

The initiative also encourages companies to leverage brand ambassadors to amplify messaging on responsible cooling, utilise digital marketing and social media to educate consumers and drive e-commerce promotions and in-store initiatives highlighting the benefits of energy-efficient ACs.

Social media driving consumer demand

Interestingly, consumer behaviour has shifted significantly, with purchasing decisions heavily influenced by online searches, social media reviews and influencer endorsements. This is evident from data trends indicating a surge in consumer interest in air conditioners between February and May, making this the optimal period for targeted digital campaigns.

As the summer heat intensifies, the government’s call to action presents both a challenge and an opportunity for AC manufacturers. Certainly, with strategic industry collaboration, India can move towards a more sustainable, energy-efficient future while ensuring consumer savings and grid stability.

The secretary BEE also requested AC manufacturers and traders to give priority to popularising 5-star modules, particularly in highly electricity-consumed major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Gandhi Nagar, Bhopal, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai and Vizag.