India urges AC makers to boost energy-efficient sales

The Indian government has urged air conditioner manufacturers to increase sales of energy-efficient, 5-star rated models to manage rising power demand this summer. This is the first time the government has made such a request, following last year's record AC sales. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) highlighted that older ACs consume significantly more electricity and need replacement. The government is also considering setting a minimum temperature of 20 degrees Celsius for ACs to save energy. Currently, 5-star ACs make up about 25% of the market, and the government is exploring incentive schemes to encourage consumers to upgrade. The AC market is projected to grow significantly, with a surge in demand expected this summer.