Zohran Mamdani calls on New Yorkers to save electricity amid record-breaking heat

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is urging residents to conserve electricity by setting their air conditioners to 78 degrees as the city prepares for what officials say could be one of its most severe heat waves in more than a decade.

In a post shared on X on July 1, Mamdani asked New Yorkers to help reduce pressure on the city's power grid by limiting energy consumption as temperatures continue to climb.

"New York: it's hot out there, and the power grid is working overtime to keep us cool," the mayor wrote.

"Set your AC to 78 degrees, turn off lights/electronics you're not using, and unplug what you can."

Mamdani said the city is also taking steps to cut electricity demand by maintaining government buildings at 78 degrees, dimming or switching off lights during peak usage periods, encouraging private partners to follow suit and shutting down non-essential equipment.

"A stable grid means the AC stays on, and lives are saved," he added. "Let's ease demand — and get through the heat — together."

Earlier the same day, the mayor released a video warning that New York City could experience its most extreme heat wave in over 10 years.

"It's been a great month to be a fan of New York City, but this week it's about to get a lot tougher," Mamdani said.

"We are entering what could be the most extreme heat wave the city has seen in over a decade."

According to the mayor, air temperatures could approach 100 degrees, while the heat index may make it feel as hot as 112 degrees through the Independence Day holiday weekend.

He urged residents to remain indoors in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible, particularly children, older adults, people with heart or respiratory conditions and pets.

For those without adequate air conditioning, Mamdani encouraged visits to one of the city's designated cooling centers.

The mayor also advised residents to remain alert for signs of heat stroke, including confusion, dizziness, nausea and difficulty breathing, stressing that anyone experiencing such symptoms should receive immediate medical attention by calling 911.

The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for New York City beginning July 1, along with an extreme heat watch through the evening of July 4.

During his public remarks, Mamdani also made a lighthearted reference to the rumored wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden, joking that anyone "getting married at Madison Square Garden" would at least be staying indoors and keeping cool.

The city has also activated its Heat Emergency Plan, bringing together multiple agencies to prepare for the dangerous temperatures and help protect New Yorkers throughout the holiday weekend.