With an increase in demand for electricity and peak-hour shortages still seen in several states like UP, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the demand for power back-up devices like invertors and generators is expected to rise by 20-25% this summer.

According to the market survey based on feedback from retailers and distribution chain, the AC market is expected to increase by 40-45% this year, a survey conducted by Assocham said on Friday.

In all the major cities, the demand for AC has seen a sharp pick-up in the last three weeks with the trend growing up by the day, as heat and dust go up, particularly in Northern, Western and Eastern parts of the country, it said.

Seizing the opportunity, the consumer finance companies are offering tempting offers claiming zero interest options, adding to the demand surge, the survey noted.

In bigger markets and well-off areas, the demand for split air conditioners is witnessing a sharp rise, though the base remains low. “As the window space is an issue in growing cities, split ACs are preferred. Besides, the segment has caught the imagination of the better-off and upper middle-class people, though the price differential between the window and split is upward of 30%,” it said.

AC maintenance companies have reported a 100% jump in demand over the past week alone while residents grappled with stifling conditions in homes and offices, reveals the survey.

Though air coolers are giving way to air conditioners, the product design for the former has really seen quite an improvement. Some of the high-end air coolers are coming in compact design and shape. However, the key lies in their difference in pricing and power consumption as compared to ACs.