Singapore Faces Energy Crisis with 25°C Air Conditioning Mandate for Government Agencies
Amid rising energy pressures due to Middle East tensions, the Singapore government is leading energy-saving initiatives, including setting AC in government buildings to 25°C or higher and urging citizens to join the effort.
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- 📰 Published: April 28, 2026 at 15:51
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Singapore, April 28 (CNA) — As tensions in the Middle East drive up international energy pressures, the Singapore government is taking the lead in promoting energy-saving measures, including setting air conditioning in all government agencies to 25°C or higher. In the sweltering tropical heat, Singapore, which is heavily reliant on cooling, is gradually adjusting daily habits to comply with power management.
In Singapore, pedestrians are often met with a blast of cold air when entering shopping malls or department stores. Almost all buses and subway cars are fully air-conditioned, making it an indispensable part of daily commuting.
"On weekends, Singaporeans often go to malls to escape the heat and enjoy the air conditioning. It's very comfortable," a local resident, David, told CNA. Air conditioning has not only helped people avoid the heat but has also shaped lifestyles, making mall-visiting a common leisure activity.
Singapore's founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew once mentioned in an interview that air conditioning was a crucial invention that made development in the tropics possible. Almost all government departments, office buildings, malls, and most homes in Singapore are equipped with AC.
The city-state is located in the tropics and experiences summer-like weather year-round. According to official statistics, the average temperature in 2025 was the 8th highest since records began in 1929, with a daily average high of 31.8°C and a low of 25.4°C.
Facing global energy pressures, the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment stated it would lead the way in energy conservation. Government agencies will set AC to 25°C or above. Every 1°C increase saves about 10% in electricity usage. The government also calls for turning off lights and appliances when unnecessary and hopes businesses and households will join the initiative.
For Valence, who works in an academic institution, some AC units must remain on for computer equipment. He notes that the cool environment helps productivity but acknowledges that the government's 25°C initiative is important for both cost-saving and environmental friendliness. However, he admitted that changing long-standing habits in Singapore's heat will take time.
The Singapore government passed the Climate Friendly Households Programme in 2024, providing S$300 (about NT$7,500) climate vouchers to all HDB households for purchasing energy-efficient appliances. In 2025, an additional S$100 was added, bringing the total to S$400. (Editor: Tang Shengyang) 1150428
In Singapore, pedestrians are often met with a blast of cold air when entering shopping malls or department stores. Almost all buses and subway cars are fully air-conditioned, making it an indispensable part of daily commuting.
"On weekends, Singaporeans often go to malls to escape the heat and enjoy the air conditioning. It's very comfortable," a local resident, David, told CNA. Air conditioning has not only helped people avoid the heat but has also shaped lifestyles, making mall-visiting a common leisure activity.
Singapore's founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew once mentioned in an interview that air conditioning was a crucial invention that made development in the tropics possible. Almost all government departments, office buildings, malls, and most homes in Singapore are equipped with AC.
The city-state is located in the tropics and experiences summer-like weather year-round. According to official statistics, the average temperature in 2025 was the 8th highest since records began in 1929, with a daily average high of 31.8°C and a low of 25.4°C.
Facing global energy pressures, the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment stated it would lead the way in energy conservation. Government agencies will set AC to 25°C or above. Every 1°C increase saves about 10% in electricity usage. The government also calls for turning off lights and appliances when unnecessary and hopes businesses and households will join the initiative.
For Valence, who works in an academic institution, some AC units must remain on for computer equipment. He notes that the cool environment helps productivity but acknowledges that the government's 25°C initiative is important for both cost-saving and environmental friendliness. However, he admitted that changing long-standing habits in Singapore's heat will take time.
The Singapore government passed the Climate Friendly Households Programme in 2024, providing S$300 (about NT$7,500) climate vouchers to all HDB households for purchasing energy-efficient appliances. In 2025, an additional S$100 was added, bringing the total to S$400. (Editor: Tang Shengyang) 1150428