New Delhi, May 25 -- India can avert severe power shortages and save consumers up to Rs.2.5 lakh crore over the next decade simply by doubling the energy efficiency of air conditioners (ACs), according to a new study.

The study by India Energy and Climate Center (IECC) at University of California (UC) Berkeley titled Beating the Heat: How Air Conditioner Efficiency Standards Help India Avert Power Shortages and Cut Consumer Bills, highlights that India adds 10-15 million new ACs annually, with another 130-150 million expected to be added over the next decade.

ACs are fast becoming the single largest driver of peak electricity demand - contributing as much as 60-70 giga watt (GW) or 25%. ACs are power guzzlers, each consuming 100-150 tim...