With dangerous heat expected through Saturday, Gov. Mikie Sherrill urged residents to conserve electricity, lower their utility bills through off-peak usage, and take precautions to avoid heat-related illness.
Trenton, NJ – Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Wednesday urged New Jersey residents to reduce electricity use during an extended stretch of dangerous heat, encouraging households to adjust air conditioning settings and shift energy-intensive activities to overnight hours.
Her remarks came as the National Weather Service warned that heat index values between 100 and 110 degrees are expected across parts of the state through Saturday under an Extreme Heat Warning.
Governor urges conservation during heat wave
“As many of you have heard, we are expecting a heat wave coming in right now, the worst we’ve seen in about 15 years,” Sherrill said. “Please make sure that you stay in the shade, that you wear sunblock, that you hydrate, drink a lot of water.”
The governor also encouraged residents to check on elderly neighbors and family members, noting that homes without adequate air conditioning can become dangerous during prolonged periods of extreme heat.
“It’s not just people outside,” she said. “Many times seniors inside whose air conditioning has broken or it’s not turned down cool enough can really get into some trouble. So check on your neighbors.”
Sherrill reminded beachgoers to swim only where lifeguards are on duty, saying, “No matter how strong a swimmer you are, the ocean’s stronger.”
Off-peak electricity use encouraged
Addressing energy use, Sherrill suggested residents could reduce both strain on the electric grid and their monthly bills by making small changes at home.
“So if you turn your air conditioning up just 1 or 2 degrees, that can really save you on your electric bills,” she said.
She also encouraged residents to run major appliances and charge electric vehicles during overnight hours instead of peak daytime periods.
“You can also help out our grid by making sure that if you’re running major appliances, your washing machine, your dishwasher, or charging your EV vehicle, that you do so at night, not in peak hours,” Sherrill said.
The governor did not announce any emergency measures affecting electricity rates or utility billing during her remarks, instead focusing on conservation and available public resources.
Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect
The National Weather Service’s Mount Holly office said the Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday for portions of central and southern New Jersey, including Ocean County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Somerset County, and southeastern Burlington County.
Forecasters expect highs near 102 degrees Thursday and Friday, with heat index values reaching as high as 109 degrees. Overnight temperatures are forecast to remain in the upper 70s to around 80, providing little relief from the prolonged heat.
Scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms are possible through the holiday weekend, with some storms capable of becoming severe.
Residents needing relief from the heat can call 2-1-1 or visit nj211.org or nj.gov/heat to locate cooling centers, report power outages, and access additional safety information.
Key Points
- Gov. Mikie Sherrill urged New Jersey residents to conserve electricity and shift major energy use to overnight hours.
- The governor advised raising thermostat settings by 1 to 2 degrees, staying hydrated, and checking on vulnerable neighbors during the heat wave.
- An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect through Saturday, with heat index values expected to reach between 100 and 110 degrees.
Related: New Jersey, Mikie Sherrill, National Weather Service, Extreme Heat Warning, Ocean County
