Set ACs to default setting of 240C, AP told

Amaravati: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), a statutory body of Union Ministry of Power, asked Andhra Pradesh government to take initiative to create awareness for using optimally the air conditioners at 24-26 degree temperature range in all government organisations and households for saving energy, maintain optimum temperature and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The BEE, during a two-day national conclave in Mussorie on June 28 and 29, sought the cooperation of the State governments on reducing green house emissions.

BEE secretary Pankaj Kumar said that considering the current market trend, the total connected load in India due to air conditioning will be 200 GW by 2030 and this may further increase, as only about 6 per cent of households use ACs as of now.

Pankaj Kumar also said that as per the current estimate, total installed air conditioner capacity is 80 million TR (ton of refrigerator) in the country, which will increase to about 250 million TR by 2030. Considering this huge demand, India can save about 40 million units of electricity usage every day.

He also advised Andhra Pradesh government being a proactive state in energy awareness programmes, to implement making 24 degree Celsius as mandatory default setting for air-conditioners in all the government organisations and households to maintain air conditioners at optimum temperature. Pankaj Kumar further stated that the usage of ACs has been gradually increasing even in rural areas.

During a teleconference, Principal Secretary to Energy Department Ajay Jain, briefed the Chief Minister that the Andhra Pradesh has received applause in the national conclave for its energy efficiency initiatives, particularly the rural and urban street lighting and energy efficient agriculture pumpset scheme.

He said the BEE lauded AP for its action plan to involve around 80 lakh self-help groups’ women in a phased manner to bring energy efficiency revolution from gross-root level which was never taken up by in any State so far.

Expressing delight over AP receiving praise at the national level for its energy efficiency initiatives, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to continue the rigorous efforts and implement the Star-Rated Electrical Appliances Programme in the State through standards and labeling scheme by BEE.

Stressing the need of imparting energy education among all the sectors, especially students’ community, he further suggested to the energy department to see possibilities in involving SHG women in distribution of energy efficient appliances.

Naidu wanted Energy Minister K Kala Venkata Rao and officials to showcase AP’s power sector initiatives in Shimla conference that is scheduled
on July 3.

Appreciating energy department officials for winning around 36 national awards, Chandraabu Naidu pointed out that AP was No.1 in 24X7 power supply, reduction of losses, use of global technologies, energy efficiency and renewable energy generation.

The APSPDCL received pat from the Chief Minister for achieving 97% billing efficiency, introducing IT initiatives and reduction of losses. Principal Secretary to IT K Vijayanand, APTransco JMDs Dinesh Paruchuri, Umapathi, APSPDCL CMD MM Nayak, APEPDCL CMD HY Dora and MD of APSEEDCO A Chandrasekhar Reddy participated.