An interesting article published by the Times of India says that India has become more active in establishing minimum energy performance standards and appliance labelling. This article states that 12% of products labelled for energy efficiency fail the tests. How that compares to Europe or the US, I cannot say. Interestingly, the article notes that in Bhopal 60% of the city’s energy consumption is for air conditioning. If this is true, it is quite amazing and points to why improving standards and quality are absolutely essential.
12% products fail energy efficiency test
May 11, 2012
BHOPAL: About 12% of products labelled for the energy efficiency fail to meet label ratings, said Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) energy consultant S P Garnaik at a press conference in the city on Thursday. Star-labelling, awarded by the BEE, indicates the level of energy saving to help consumers make an informed choice by looking at stars on the appliance. Higher star ratings means better energy efficiency and cost savings.
“We conduct random checks on appliances rated by the BEE. It is part of focusing on implementation of energy efficiency measures across the country,” said Garnaik conceding the policy for penalties is being worked out. “We are only a couple of years old and policies evolve with experience,” he added.
BEE, a statutory body under the Union ministry of power has upgraded requirements for star rating of split type room air-conditioners by about 8 %. A 5-star energy efficiency rated split AC bought in January is now merely 4-star rated.
“Standards now at 8 % higher efficiency for star-rating of split 1.5 ton ACs and higher,” said Garnaik. The move is intended to help raise consumer awareness on saving energy and manufacturing more energy efficient appliances across the spectrum for the industry.
The star ratings for air-conditioners are categorised over a band of co-efficient performance (COP), indicating the amount of cooling capacity in watts the air conditioner delivers for every watt of power energy it consumes.
At present, for air conditioners, co-efficient performance (COP) has to be minimum 2.5 to qualify for 1-Star rating which will be raised to 2.7 by January 2014. COP of 3.3 and above is 5-Star categories. BEE has plans to move up the energy efficiency level continuously every two years.
BEE estimate put 60% of city’s energy consumption to use of air-conditioners. With its upgraded star rating system, it plans to save 400 MW of electricity during the eleventh five year plan (2007-2012).
Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 
I couldn’t live without AC.
No one is saying you shouldn’t, depending on the climate you are in. But, there is a new generation of energy-efficient appliances that need to be deployed in a greater share.