Column – English

Cooling: Necessity and Emergency

PUBLISHED IN:
The Indian Express

Published on: June 20, 2025

Chandra Bhushan Chandra Bhushan

AC temperature cap, while not a game-changer, opens the door to much-needed conversations on an urgent developmental need.

The Indian government is reportedly contemplating to limit air conditioner (AC) temperature settings between 20°C and 28°C. This seem like a minor technical move, but it marks an important symbolic step in reshaping our approach to cooling. While it will not, by itself, lead to a significant reduction in energy use — and will face major implementation challenges on the ground — it sends a critical signal about the growing impact of cooling on India’s energy grid, environmental footprint and climate ambitions.

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