NY Mayor’s 78-degree AC appeal triggers political storm during heatwave

As an intense heatwave gripped New York, Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to help reduce pressure on the city's electricity system by setting

As an intense heatwave gripped New York, Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to help reduce pressure on the city’s electricity system by setting air conditioners to 78 degrees Fahrenheit and limiting unnecessary power consumption.

Weather experts warned that temperatures could climb to dangerous levels, with some areas expected to experience extreme heat conditions. In response, city authorities introduced emergency measures aimed at ensuring the stability of the power grid during peak demand hours.

In a public message shared on social media, Mamdani encouraged residents to conserve electricity by adjusting air conditioner settings, switching off unused lights and electronic devices, and unplugging equipment that was not essential.

The mayor said city departments were also taking similar steps by reducing energy consumption in public buildings, dimming non-essential lighting, and powering down unnecessary equipment. Officials argued that lowering electricity demand during the heatwave would help prevent outages and ensure cooling systems remain operational for vulnerable communities.

The appeal quickly gained widespread attention online and triggered strong reactions from conservative commentators and political figures in the United States.

Critics described the recommendation as government overreach and accused city officials of promoting excessive state intervention in personal choices. Supporters, however, defended the proposal as a temporary conservation measure designed to avoid strain on the power network during unusually high temperatures.