By Kashmira Konduparty
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has drawn criticism from prominent Republican figures after suggesting that air conditioners be set to 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the ongoing heat wave to help reduce strain on the city’s electric grid.
In a post on X, Mamdani urged New Yorkers to conserve energy as temperatures climbed across the Northeast. “If you can, set your AC to 78°F,” he wrote. “It reduces stress on our grid, lowers emissions, and can help avoid outages during extreme heat.”
The post quickly became a flashpoint in the political debate surrounding energy use and climate policy. Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy mocked the proposal writing on X, “This is what socialism looks like,” arguing that Americans should not be told how to use appliances in their own homes.
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Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nationals Nikki Haley also criticized the suggestion, saying government officials should focus on expanding energy production rather than asking residents to change their daily habits during periods of extreme heat.
The exchange unfolded as much of the eastern United States continued to experience above-average temperatures, prompting utilities and grid operators to encourage consumers to voluntarily reduce electricity use during peak demand hours to prevent blackouts.
Energy experts have long recommended thermostat settings of around 78 degrees when homes are occupied during summer months as a way to lower electricity consumption and reduce pressure on power grids. The recommendation is also prompted by the U.S. Department of Energy as an energy-efficiency measure that can lower cooling costs while reducing electricity demand.
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Mayor Mamdani has made climate action and public investment central themes of his campaign. His proposal have frequently attracted criticism from Republican opponents, who argue his policies would increase government involvement in the economy and impose additional costs on businesses and taxpayers.
Supporters, however, defended the air conditioning recommendation, noting that it was voluntary and aligned with guidance commonly issued by utilities and energy agencies during periods of extreme heat.
The latest dispute reflects broader political divisions over climate policy in the United States, where calls for energy conservation are often met with criticism from conservatives who view such recommendations as government overreach.