New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is encountering public criticism after suggesting residents set their air conditioning units to 78 degrees Fahrenheit as the city grapples with temperatures nearing 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mamdani announced the recommendation on X, formerly Twitter, stating that the soaring temperatures are placing a significant strain on the power grid. He urged residents to "turn off lights/electronics you're not using, and unplug what you can." The city is also implementing similar measures in its buildings, dimming lights during peak demand and powering down non-essential equipment.
"A stable grid means the AC stays on and lives are saved. Let's ease demand and get through the heat — together," Mamdani wrote. He noted that this is a request to assist with power stability and that many cities are issuing similar advisements due to the extreme heat.
The mayor's post drew a strong reaction online, with many New Yorkers expressing dissatisfaction with the suggestion, particularly given the intense heat. Some commenters questioned why city leadership wasn't addressing billboard lighting or large electronic displays, while others vowed to set their AC to lower temperatures in protest.
"Instead of micromanaging how New Yorkers use electricity in their own homes, city leadership should focus on delivering the reliable power needed for people to stay cool and comfortable," one commenter stated. Another argued that the burden of grid instability should not fall on working families through such directives.
However, some users defended Mamdani's request, viewing it as a reasonable measure to ensure power grid stability during a dangerous heatwave. They pointed out that power companies are issuing warnings and that rolling blackouts are a possibility.
New York City is under an extreme heat warning, with temperatures expected to reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit, levels not seen since 2012. The heatwave is anticipated to last for several days, with the Fourth of July holiday weekend projected to be the hottest in years. Accuweather Senior Meteorologist Alan Reppert warned that the heat could lead to record energy use and potential power outages.
In response to the potential grid emergencies, the U.S. Department of Energy has issued two orders authorizing backup generation. Con Edison, the city's power company, has activated its Emergency Response Center and cautioned residents to conserve energy, especially during peak hours from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. They recommend limiting air conditioning use, opting for fans, and delaying charging electric vehicles until after 10 p.m.
Previous mayors, including Eric Adams and Bill de Blasio, have also advised residents to set their air conditioning to 78 degrees Fahrenheit during heat events. To provide relief, New York City has opened numerous "cooling centers" for residents in need.
