Rising AC Usage May Push India’s Power Grid Towards Crisis by 2028

India is witnessing a massive rise in electricity consumption due to soaring temperatures and the rapid increase in air conditioner usage. Studies by the India Energy and Climate Center at the University of California, Berkeley, and Climate Trends warned that if energy efficiency standards for ACs are not improved, the country could face severe power shortages and even grid collapse risks by 2028. Peak electricity demand in India has already touched 270 gigawatts, with residential cooling demand now surpassing industrial power consumption in many urban regions.

Experts noted that rising night-time temperatures are forcing households to run air conditioners continuously, leading to sustained peak power demand even after sunset. Around 1.5 crore new AC units are being added every year, and without strong policy intervention, AC-related electricity demand alone could reach 120 gigawatts by 2030 and 180 gigawatts by 2035. Researchers stressed that improving AC energy efficiency could significantly reduce electricity demand, save consumers nearly ₹2.5 lakh crore and prevent future blackouts while easing pressure on power infrastructure.