Mayor Zohran Mamdani asked New Yorkers to conserve electricity as soaring temperatures increase demand on the city’s power grid.
New York, NY – New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Wednesday urged residents to set their air conditioners to 78 degrees and reduce electricity use as a dangerous heat wave pushes temperatures toward 100 degrees.
The request comes as the city’s electrical grid faces heavy demand from widespread air conditioning use during the prolonged stretch of extreme heat.
Mayor asks residents to conserve electricity
“New York: it’s hot out there, and the power grid is working overtime to keep us cool,” Mamdani wrote in a message posted to X.
“Set your AC to 78 degrees, turn off lights/electronics you’re not using, and unplug what you can.”
The mayor said reducing electricity consumption during peak demand periods can help maintain grid stability while ensuring residents continue to have access to air conditioning.
City buildings following same policy
Mamdani said New York City is also implementing conservation measures across municipal facilities.
“Our City is doing its part too: maintaining the 78 degrees rule in our buildings, dimming/turning off our lights during peak electricity demand, asking private partners to do the same, and powering down non-essential equipment,” he said.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of maintaining a reliable electric grid during the dangerous heat.
“A stable grid means the AC stays on, and lives are saved. Let’s ease demand — and get through the heat — together.”
The conservation request comes as much of the Northeast remains under heat alerts, with forecasters warning of dangerously high temperatures and elevated heat index values through the holiday weekend.
Key Points
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged New Yorkers to set air conditioners to 78 degrees to reduce strain on the power grid.
- The city is also lowering electricity use in government buildings by dimming lights and powering down non-essential equipment.
- The request comes as temperatures approach 100 degrees and electricity demand surges during the ongoing heat wave.
Related: Zohran Mamdani, New York City, heat wave, electricity conservation, power grid