Every summer India gets very hot. Then the scammers come out here in America to tell us records are breaking, when they are not outside of the norms.
Govind Ram, a scrap dealer residing near Delhi, made a significant purchase in May, investing in an air conditioner as temperatures soared due to a severe heatwave affecting the city. His decision was driven by the discomfort his children experienced in the extreme heat, which they described as “choking.” Although this new addition brought relief, it also led to a substantial increase in his electricity bill—seven times higher than usual.
🔵 INDIANS BATTLE INTENSE HEAT WITH ‘MAD RUSH’ FOR AIR CONDITIONERS, BEER
Demand for beer in India is at a multi-year high and air conditioner sales are skyrocketing as the intense, unprecedented heat scorching parts of the country becomes a boon for some consumer businesses.… pic.twitter.com/bRXKGFUaNm
— PiQ (@PiQSuite) June 28, 2024
Historically, India has endured numerous heatwaves, with over 700 recorded in the last fifty years. Normal for this part of the world. However, this year’s intense heat is noted as one of the most severe – at least this i9s what Leftist media likes to lie about. While the majority of Indian homes—97% to be exact—are electrified and primarily use fans, the demand for air conditioners has seen an unprecedented surge this summer. B Thiagarajan, the managing director of Blue Star, a leading cooling solutions firm, observed a sales increase that could more than double compared to last year, marking a significant shift from previous trends. India is progressing nicely.
Previously, air conditioner sales would peak in late May, but now the demand begins as early as April. This change reflects the escalating heat challenges and the growing market for air conditioners in India, where only 8% of households currently own one. Despite this low penetration, India is recognized as the fastest-growing AC market globally, with significant sales contributions coming from smaller cities and towns.
Record heatwave spurs surge in AC sales across all consumer segments: Report #HeatWave #AC @JournoAshutosh https://t.co/k6p7CxxRAS
— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) June 24, 2024
The International Energy Agency forecasts that by 2050, air conditioner ownership in India will increase nine-fold, surpassing the growth of other household appliances. This rise is anticipated to lead to a significant increase in the country’s electricity demand, potentially exceeding the current total consumption of Africa.
The surge in air conditioner sales is attributed to a combination of rising aspirations, increased disposable incomes, and the necessity to cope with increasingly extreme weather conditions. Remarkably, the majority of buyers are middle-class, first-time purchasers, often facilitated by zero-interest consumer loans, and a significant portion of sales are driven by the hotter northern regions of India.
Urban development has led to cities becoming “heat traps” with minimal green spaces and extensive construction activities exacerbating the temperature rise. Nearly a billion people in India face heat stress, with many residing in poorly ventilated, high-rise buildings that contribute to the discomfort.
In a survey conducted by Artha Global’s Centre for Rapid Insights, about a third of respondents described their homes as hot and uncomfortable during peak afternoon hours. The reliance on energy-intensive cooling methods highlights the disparity in access to comfortable living conditions, particularly among the less affluent.
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— Share India (@shareindiasec) May 7, 2024
Efforts to address these challenges include initiatives to rejuvenate aquatic habitats and promote the construction of cooler houses and the use of energy-efficient cooling appliances. Although India did not sign the global pledge to reduce cooling emissions last year, it has been a pioneer in implementing policies aimed at improving air conditioner efficiency.
The need for effective cooling solutions is more urgent than ever. Knowing that the nation has to go through this every summer has Indian households investing in air conditioning, and this is a good thing. Once we take a step back we know and understand that.
Major Points
- Govind Ram, a scrap dealer near Delhi, purchased an air conditioner to alleviate his children’s discomfort during a severe heatwave, resulting in a significant increase in his electricity bill.
- The demand for air conditioners in India has skyrocketed this year, with sales potentially doubling compared to the previous year due to the extreme heat.
- Despite low penetration, with only 8% of households owning air conditioners, India is the fastest-growing AC market in the world.
- Urbanization has led to cities becoming “heat traps” with minimal green spaces and increased construction, exacerbating the heat problem.
- Efforts are underway to improve air conditioner efficiency and reduce emissions, but the country faces ongoing challenges in providing equitable cooling solutions amidst rising temperatures.
Susan Guglielmo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
