Hyderabad is now a major focus in a nationwide effort to save energy and fight climate change. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), part of the Union Ministry of Power, is pushing for smarter use of air conditioners (ACs). The agency wants both homes and businesses to keep their ACs at a standard setting of 24°C.
With over 9 million people and a growing number of buildings using air conditioning, Hyderabad plays a big role in national energy use. The BEE believes that setting ACs at 24°C can cut down power bills, reduce carbon emissions, and help India meet climate goals.
Milind Deore, Secretary of BEE, stressed the importance of spreading awareness. He asked the Telangana State Renewable Energy Development Corporation (TSREDCO) to run strong campaigns across the city. These would target homes, offices, malls, hotels, airports, and government buildings.
“Changing to 24°C as the normal AC setting can make a big difference,” said Deore during a meeting with key state energy officials. Abhishek Sharma and Kamran Sheikh, both directors, joined him in backing the plan.
V Aneela, Managing Director of TSREDCO, said the state agency would quickly launch the campaign throughout Telangana, treating it as a high-priority mission.
To support the move, BEE is also asking AC manufacturers to make 24°C the default setting in all new machines. Deore pointed out that if just half of Hyderabad’s population makes this change, it could lead to massive reductions in electricity demand and greenhouse gas emissions.
Currently, running a single AC for 8 to 10 hours a day can release about 10 kilograms of CO₂. That’s why BEE is focusing on energy-heavy areas like IT parks, shopping malls, airports, and public offices.
BEE data shows that turning up the AC temperature by just 1°C can cut electricity use by up to 6%. On a national scale, this simple change could save around 20 billion units of electricity each year. That translates to possible savings of ₹10,000 crore and a cut in carbon emissions by around 8.2 million tonnes annually.
The BEE’s campaign calls for a community-wide effort. By making small changes in how we use air conditioners, cities like Hyderabad can lead the way in building a greener, more energy-efficient future.
