VIJAYAWADA: As Andhra Pradesh braces for record-breaking power demand this summer, the Union government has intensified efforts to promote energy-efficient air conditioners (ACs), focusing on the State’s commercial hub, Visakhapatnam.
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Ministry of Power, has urged AC manufacturers to prioritise BEE 5-star-rated models to curb electricity consumption, ease grid strain, and support sustainability.
With India’s demand for cooling rising, studies indicate that nearly 30% of installed ACs nationwide are over eight years old, consuming 40-50% more power than modern, energy-efficient units.
In Andhra Pradesh, replacing these outdated ACs with 5-star-rated models could yield up to 60% energy savings, reduce peak-hour grid pressure, and significantly cut CO2 emissions - key to Visakhapatnam’s goal of becoming a net-zero emissions city.
BEE Secretary Milind Deore, in a letter to AC manufacturers, emphasised the need for an industry-driven push to popularise energy-efficient models, particularly in high-consumption cities such as Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Tirupati. Other southern urban centres, including Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, are also targeted for increased 5-star AC adoption.
Visakhapatnam, a major industrial and commercial hub, is witnessing rapid growth in energy consumption, making it a prime candidate for a large-scale transition to efficient cooling solutions.
Simple behavioral changes, such as setting thermostats to 24°C, could save Andhra Pradesh and India up to 10 billion kWh annually, cutting energy costs by thousands of crores.
To accelerate this shift, BEE has proposed a nationwide awareness campaign, urging manufacturers to collaborate on initiatives such as digital marketing, influencer-driven promotions, and in-store offers.
With consumer interest in Air Conditioner purchases peaking between February and May, this initiative could drive significant savings and contribute to a sustainable energy future.