Centre Pushes For Energy-Efficient Cooling Solutions

Hyderabad: 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, as India braces for record-breaking power demand this summer.

The Union government is intensifying its push for energy-efficient cooling solutions emphasizing their critical role in reducing electricity consumption and ensuring grid stability.

BEE cited a study to point out 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 These outdated models consume 40-50 per cent more electricity than modern energy-efficient units. Experts estimate that replacing older ACs with BEE 5-star-rated models could yield up to 60 per cent energy savings lowering electricity bills for households and businesses, reduced peak power demand enhancing grid stability and energy security, and major climate impact cutting millions of tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, a BEE press release mentioned.

BEE called for an industry-led movement to promote energy-efficient cooling. Accordingly Milind Deore, Secretary, BEE, has addressed a letter to AC manufacturers seeking collaboration in a nationwide awareness campaign to encourage consumers to switch to BEE 5-star-rated models. 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. Deore has also requested AC manufacturers and traders to give priority for popularizing 5-star modules particularly in high electricity consuming major cities like Hyderabad. He specifically mentioned a report that indicates rapid population growth of about 1.30 crore by 2031 in Hyderabad metropolitan city that leads to potential penetration of 5-Star ACs.