New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s request that residents raise their thermostats and reduce electricity use during an ongoing heat wave sparked swift backlash from Republicans and conservative commentators, with many portraying the appeal as evidence of what they called failed progressive energy policies.
The criticism followed a Wednesday post on X in which Mamdani urged New Yorkers to help reduce strain on the city’s electrical grid as temperatures climbed toward triple digits.
The mayor asked residents to set their air conditioners to 78 degrees, turn off unused lights and electronics, unplug devices when possible, and delay running major appliances during periods of peak electricity demand.
He said city buildings would also follow the same conservation measures.
“New York: it’s hot out there, and the power grid is working overtime to keep us cool,” Mamdani wrote. “Set your AC to 78 degrees, turn off lights/electronics you’re not using, and unplug what you can.”
He added that New York City facilities would maintain the 78-degree rule, dim or turn off lights during periods of high electricity demand, power down nonessential equipment, and encourage private partners to do the same.
“A stable grid means the AC stays on, and lives are saved. Let’s ease demand—and get through the heat—together,” Mamdani wrote.
Republican officials, conservative commentators, and several prominent social media personalities quickly seized on the mayor’s message, arguing it highlighted what they described as the shortcomings of progressive energy policies.
Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy was among the first to weigh in, according to USA Today.
“This is what socialism looks like, folks. The right answer isn’t restrictions or mandates. It’s drilling, fracking, coal, & nuclear,” Ramaswamy wrote on X. “That’s how we’ll roll in Ohio.”
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) plainly wrote, “SoCIAlisM WoRKS thO,” while former White House military aide Buzz Patterson asked, “What’s the setting for Madison Square Garden for Taylor Swift’s wedding?”
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) also chimed in, writing, “This is an act of war against women in menopause.”
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy also criticized the mayor’s request, posting, “78 degrees??? Welcome to communism people! Hope you enjoy!”
Other users similarly questioned New York’s energy policies and criticized the city for asking residents to conserve electricity during a period of extreme heat.
City officials defended the request as part of a broader emergency response to extreme temperatures expected to continue through the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
A spokesperson for the mayor’s office told Newsweek the city was asking businesses and residents to help protect grid reliability by setting thermostats to 78 degrees and delaying the use of major appliances until off-peak hours.
Officials also expanded cooling center access, increased outreach to vulnerable residents, and encouraged New Yorkers to check on elderly neighbors and others at risk from the heat.
While the political debate intensified, federal energy guidance generally recommends thermostat settings between 75 and 78 degrees for energy efficiency.
Con Edison also urged customers to reduce electricity use during peak afternoon and evening hours as demand for air conditioning increased across the region.
Utility officials said the conservation measures are intended to reduce strain on the electrical system and help prevent localized outages during periods of extreme heat.
The exchange quickly became the latest flashpoint in the political debate surrounding Mamdani’s administration.
While Republican critics argued the conservation request reflected broader concerns about New York’s energy policies, city officials maintained it was a temporary measure intended to preserve grid reliability during a period of dangerous heat.
