New Delhi, India – As the scorching heatwave envelops New Delhi and its surrounding areas, families like Govind Ram’s are turning to air conditioning units for relief. Ram, a junk dealer, recently purchased an air conditioner for his children’s bedroom after they struggled with the oppressive heat. However, this newfound comfort comes at a cost – Ram’s electricity bill skyrocketed to seven times its usual amount.
Experts believe that this summer’s relentless heat in India may be one of the worst in over five decades, with a staggering surge in demand for air conditioning units. According to the Council on Energy Environment and Water (CEEW), 97% of Indian households are electrified, with 93% relying on fans for cooling. However, this year, the air conditioning market in India has experienced unprecedented growth.
The demand for air conditioners is expected to increase by 60% this summer compared to the usual 25-30% growth in previous years. With only 8% of Indian households owning air conditioners, the country has emerged as the world’s fastest-growing AC market. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts a nine-fold rise in home air conditioner ownership in India by 2050, surpassing the growth in ownership of other household appliances.
Amidst the rising temperatures and escalating demand for cooling solutions, a recent survey highlighted the significant disparity in access to air conditioning among Indian households. The survey revealed that while 95% of air-con buyers belong to the aspirational middle class, there remains a widening gap between those who can afford cooling solutions and those who cannot.
Moreover, experts point out that Indian cities have become “heat traps” due to imbalanced development, limited green spaces, and escalating greenhouse gas emissions. The lack of adequate ventilation, coupled with the rapid growth of high-rise buildings, has made urban areas increasingly uncomfortable to reside in.
As India grapples with extreme heatwaves and escalating demand for cooling solutions, the necessity for equitable access to such amenities becomes increasingly apparent. The surge in air conditioner sales underscores the urgent need for sustainable and inclusive cooling solutions to combat rising temperatures and protect vulnerable populations.