VIJAYAWADA: The State government is contemplating making 24 degree Celsius as a mandatory default setting for air conditioners in all commercial establishments in the State. Shortly, a meeting with stakeholders will be held to chalk out an action plan for the implementation of the proposal.
Principal Secretary (Energy) Ajay Jain said the State government is planning to promote usage of star rated electrical appliances for the benefit of the consumers. “The Chief Minister has issued instructions to the Energy Department and SECM, SDA to take up a comprehensive action plan to make every household energy efficient for the benefit of consumers as well as the State,” he said.
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has already asked the air-conditioner manufacturers to set default air temperature of ACs to 24 degree Celsius.BEE director general Abhay Bhakre requested the AP government to ensure strict implementation of BEE recommendations on air conditioners. “As a proactive State in implementing energy efficiency steps, AP should take lead and become a model State to others by saving power by the implementation of norms on the default setting of ACs at 24 degree Celsius in commercial establishments,” he said in a communication to Jain.
He said the overall potential for energy conservation through such a measure is estimated to the tune of 20 billion units (worth Rs10,000 crore) annually in the country. If about half (50 per cent) of the consumers adopt such a measure, this would result in saving about 10 billion units of electricity.