Amendment in MoPs notification number SO 1022E for Light Commercial Air Conditioners

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to Energy Conservation Act Notification **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to the Government of India's notification regarding energy efficiency standards, specifically targeting the Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ISEER) for appliances. This amendment, published on June 20, 2025, revises Table 3.1 in the original notification (S.O. 1022E, dated March 2, 2023) under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. The key finding is the introduction of updated minimum and maximum ISEER values for star ratings, effective from April 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028. This suggests a periodic tightening of energy efficiency standards. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide an informative analysis of the amendment to the Ministry of Power's notification concerning energy efficiency, based solely on the provided policy text published in the Gazette of India on June 20, 2025. The analysis focuses on the specific changes introduced by the amendment and their potential implications. **3. Policy Overview:** * This document is an amendment to the original notification S.O. 1022E, dated March 2, 2023, which was published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Subsection ii. * The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to regulate and potentially improve the energy efficiency of appliances by defining minimum and maximum ISEER values for different star ratings. **4. Background and Rationale:** This amendment appears designed to update the existing energy efficiency standards. The introduction of new ISEER thresholds for star ratings suggests a periodic review and tightening of these standards to drive further energy conservation. This is a common practice to encourage technological advancements and adoption of more energy-efficient models by manufacturers. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This amendment *specifically* alters Table 3.1 in subparagraph 1 of paragraph 3 of the original notification (S.O. 1022E). It replaces Table 3.1 with two new tables: Table 3.1A and Table 3.1B. * **What is being changed:** Table 3.1, which defines the Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ISEER) values for different star ratings. * **What the *new* rule/provision *is*:** * **Table 3.1A:** Defines ISEER values for star ratings valid from July 1, 2023, to March 31, 2026. * 1 Star: 2.70 - 3.09 * 2 Star: 3.10 - 3.39 * 3 Star: 3.40 - 3.69 * 4 Star: 3.70 - 3.99 * 5 Star: 4.00 * **Table 3.1B:** Defines ISEER values for star ratings valid from April 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028. * 1 Star: 3.20 - 3.39 * 2 Star: 3.40 - 3.59 * 3 Star: 3.60 - 3.89 * 4 Star: 3.90 - 4.39 * 5 Star: 4.40 * **Difference/Effect of the Change:** The key difference is the *increased* minimum ISEER values for all star ratings in Table 3.1B, effective from April 1, 2026. For example, the minimum ISEER for a 1-star appliance increases from 2.70 to 3.20. This effectively raises the bar for energy efficiency standards. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the primary target audience and stakeholders are manufacturers and importers of appliances. The changes directly affect the energy efficiency requirements they must meet for their products to achieve specific star ratings. Consumers are indirectly affected as these standards will impact the energy efficiency of the appliances available in the market. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * The **Bureau of Energy Efficiency** is mentioned as an agency consulted in making these amendments, implying its involvement in the implementation and enforcement of the standards. * The amendment specifies clear timelines: * Table 3.1A is valid from July 1, 2023, to March 31, 2026. * Table 3.1B is valid from April 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028. * This suggests a regular review and update cycle for the ISEER standards. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of these changes is to drive manufacturers to produce more energy-efficient appliances. The increased ISEER thresholds, particularly from April 1, 2026, will likely lead to: * **Technological Advancements:** Manufacturers will need to innovate and adopt new technologies to meet the higher efficiency standards. * **Increased Energy Savings:** Appliances sold after April 1, 2026, are expected to be more energy-efficient, resulting in overall energy savings for consumers and the nation. * **Market Shift:** Less efficient appliances may be phased out as they will no longer meet the minimum star rating requirements. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the Ministry of Power's notification updates the Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ISEER) values for appliance star ratings. This change, primarily impacting manufacturers, raises the bar for energy efficiency standards, effective April 1, 2026. This amendment signals a commitment to continuous improvement in energy efficiency, driving innovation and potentially leading to significant energy savings. The consistent timelines for revisions implies this will continue to be a dynamic regulatory environment for the appliance manufacturing industry.

Key Entities Referenced