Beyond ACs, beating the heat with better city planning
The Tribune Editorial: Urbanisation is contributing heavily to global warming
Updated At : 05:55 AM Jun 12, 2025 IST
AMID a searing heatwave that has sent the power demand soaring in many parts of India, the Centre has identified the villain of the piece: the air conditioner (AC). The government plans to standardise this widely used appliance’s cooling range between 20°C and 28°C in homes, hotels and cars. Once the new guidelines are enforced, manufacturers would be barred from producing ACs that provide cooling below 20°C. According to Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, this initiative is part of efforts to save electricity and manage India’s rising energy needs.
