The government program offering subsidized vouchers for energy-efficient inverter air conditioners has seen massive demand, with over half of the available vouchers already claimed by citizens. The deadline to collect remaining vouchers is April 17.

The voucher program was launched as part of the government's efforts to improve energy efficiency in households and reduce electricity consumption during peak summer months. Each voucher covers a significant portion of the purchase cost of an inverter-type air conditioning unit.

Officials urged eligible citizens who have not yet collected their vouchers to do so before the deadline, warning that unclaimed vouchers will be redistributed. The strong uptake has been attributed to rising energy costs and increasing summer temperatures that have made air conditioning a near-necessity.

Consumer groups have praised the program but noted that demand far exceeds the number of available vouchers, calling on the government to expand the initiative in future rounds. The Energy Ministry indicated it is evaluating the program's results and considering an expansion for the next fiscal year.