Set AC at 24°C; conserve energy, AP to consumers

Vijayawada/Visakhapatnam: With power situation worsening due to coal shortage and shutdown of all four units of NTPC Simhadri Super Thermal Station near Visakhapatnam, the State Government has appealed to the consumers to use power judiciously and avoid wastage.

NTPC which generates 2,000 MW shut down all four units in the early hours of Tuesday due to tripping. However, the APEPCL authorities made special arrangements for ensuring normal supply to Simhachalam where the annual Chandanostavam was performed to Lord Varaha Nrusimha Swamy at the hill shrine.Thousands of people from all corners of the State and neighbouring Odisha thronged the temple town.

An official of APEPCL told Bizz Buzz that normal power supply was ensured by evening from NTPC Simhadri and Hinduja National Power Corporation Ltd (HNPCL), which generates 1050 MW from its coal-fired Pallavalasa plant near here.

With an objective to avoid wasting of energy, protect precious natural resources, protect human body from the harmful effects of cold weather and in view of the prevailing power shortage in the country, Andhra Pradesh State Energy Conservation Mission (APSECM) which is the State designated agency for energy conservation (EC) and energy efficiency (EE), has appealed to electricity users to set default AC temperature at 24 degrees celsius to save substantial energy in both commercial and residential/buildings.

According to experts, lowering the temperature too much shortens the life of an AC, increases the monthly electricity bill and causes harmful effects of cold weather on the human body.

The normal human body temperature is approximately 36-37 degree celsius, but at large commercial establishments, such as hotels, airports and offices, the AC operating staff maintain a lower temperature around 18-21 degree Celsius, believing that it indicates a better cooling performance of the AC system. In fact, it is unhealthy and uncomfortable as well. The effects of low AC temperatures include respiratory issues, stiff bones, headaches, dry eyes and skin, hypothermia and high BP.

Quoting experts, APSECM said the temperatures up to 24 degree celsius are quite comfortable for the human body. According to scientific data, an increase in temperature of room by one degree Celsius, one can save about 6 per cent of electricity. Usually, room temperature is set between 20-21-degree Celsius whereas, ideal temperature is 24-25 degree Celsius.