BEE launches South India’s energy drive with Chennai in the spotlight
BEE’s Energy Conservation Drive: Chennai Leads South India’s AC Temperature Initiative
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The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) launches a groundbreaking energy conservation campaign in Chennai, promoting 24°C as the default AC temperature to achieve significant power savings and support national climate goals.
Initiative Overview
As India faces rising summer temperatures and growing electricity demand, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), operating under the Union Ministry of Power, has initiated a comprehensive energy conservation campaign. The program focuses on promoting responsible air conditioner usage, with Chennai serving as the flagship city for implementation in South India.
Campaign Objectives
- Establish 24°C as the standard AC temperature
- Reduce national power consumption
- Support India’s climate action goals
- Promote sustainable energy practices
Chennai’s Strategic Role
With a population exceeding 1.35 crore and a substantial commercial sector, Chennai’s energy consumption patterns play a crucial role in India’s sustainability efforts:
City’s Strategic Importance
- Large population base influencing energy patterns
- Extensive commercial establishment network
- Key role in national power stability
- Partnership with TANGEDCO for implementation
“A collective shift to 24°C AC settings could be a game-changer,” – Milind Deore, Secretary of BEE
Energy Savings and Benefits
The initiative promises substantial environmental and economic benefits through simple temperature adjustments:
Projected Annual Impact
- Electricity savings: 20 billion units
- Cost reduction: ₹10,000 crore
- Carbon emission reduction: 8.2 million tonnes
- Energy efficiency improvement: 6% per degree increase
Setting AC temperature to 24°C can reduce electricity consumption by up to 24% compared to 20°C settings, while maintaining optimal comfort levels.
Implementation Strategy
BEE has outlined a comprehensive approach to achieve maximum impact:
Key Implementation Measures
- Manufacturer Engagement:
- 24°C default factory settings for new units
- Focus on high-efficiency models
- Target Sectors:
- Shopping malls and IT parks
- Hotels and airports
- Government buildings
- Recommended Practices:
- Use of ceiling fans with ACs
- Room insulation improvements
- Installation of programmable thermostats
Nationwide Expansion
The campaign’s success in Chennai is paving the way for nationwide implementation:
Expansion Cities
- South India:
- Bengaluru
- Hyderabad
- Visakhapatnam
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Other Regions:
- Delhi and Mumbai
- Kolkata and Chandigarh
- Jaipur and Bhopal
- Patna
“This initiative is not just about conserving electricity—it’s a nationwide call for sustainable living and responsible energy behaviour.” – Milind Deore, Secretary, BEE
Published on May 4, 2025
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