Understanding the AC Control Bill, 2025: Energy Efficiency vs Personal Freedom

Context

To address rising energy consumption and promote sustainable cooling practices, the Union Ministry of Power has proposed a draft legislation titled the Ease of Cooling (Regulation and Control) Act, 2025. While presented in a satirical tone, the Act humorously highlights the tension between energy efficiency, individual comfort, and regulatory overreach, using air conditioner (AC) usage as the focal point.

Title, Extent & Commencement

• Short Title: Ease of Cooling (Regulation and Control) Act, 2025

• Extent: Applies to the entire super built-up area of residential properties, including balcony spaces used for flower pots.

• Commencement: Comes into effect when any AC is installed and begins functioning in a household.

Key Definitions

• Individual Resident: Any person with government-approved ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID), preferably associated with a carbon-based life form.

• Permissible Temperature Range (PTR): Defined as 20°C to 28°C.

• Temperature Rakshak Sangh (TRAKS): A volunteer group equipped with government-issued thermal scanners to monitor indoor AC settings and compliance.

Purpose of the Act

• To promote climate-sensitive behaviour in managing cooling needs.

• To reduce household electricity bills through regulated AC usage.

• To encourage a balanced approach to indoor comfort and environmental responsibility.

Mandatory Compliance Requirements

• AC manufacturers and retailers must:

  • Lock default AC settings within the PTR (20°C–28°C).

  • Ensure customers complete Know Your AC (KYAC) formalities before taking delivery.

• Residents must:

  • Download the DigiTapMan app.

  • Register the AC using Aadhaar-based login.

Enforcement Mechanism

• TRAKS volunteers are authorised to:

  • Enter any AC-enabled residence, including bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and utility areas.

  • Conduct random checks, regardless of time (day or night).

• If violations are found, such as:

  • AC temperature set outside the PTR,

  • Ambient temperature below acceptable range,

  • No visible signs of sweating,
    Then TRAKS may:

  • Seize non-compliant AC units.

  • Accept voluntary donations to a political party in exchange for letting the violator go.

Appeal Mechanism

• Any aggrieved resident may file an appeal before an Appellate Authority, to be notified by the Central Government.