Rising heat in India is increasing reliance on air conditioning, and overuse and inadequate regulation of residential cooling is causing record-setting demand for electricity in Delhi, according to a report from the MacArthur-supported Centre for Science and Environment. Since 2006, annual electricity consumption grew 42 percent, and peak demand in hot summer months grew by 64 percent in Delhi, the world’s second largest city. The report recommends potential governmental solutions to address the rising demand for electricity in the city, including implementing stronger efficiency standards for air conditioning systems, improving energy-efficient architecture, and increased monitoring and enforcement of consumption standards.
