Evidence-based Cooling Strategies for a Warming World (2019-2022)
To enhance sustainable energy access for low-income households in India with unreliable grid connections, IIT Bombay, in collaboration with UC Berkeley, implemented super-efficient appliances, including LED lights and energy-efficient fans, alongside affordable lithium-ion battery storage. Our Bihar field trials demonstrated that these technologies could significantly improve energy access, reducing household energy consumption by 70-80% and monthly electricity bills by up to 80% for some users. While battery storage provides reliability amid frequent outages, high upfront costs and subsidized electricity rates hinder adoption. We recommend policy interventions, such as direct benefit transfers and fan replacement initiatives, to encourage adoption and promote sustainable energy solutions across India.