New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced criticism on social media after urging residents to reduce air conditioning use to ease pressure on the city's electrical grid while also encouraging New Yorkers to make sure older adults spend time in air-conditioned spaces during an approaching heat wave, as reported by Fox News.

The criticism followed two separate public messages issued as New York City prepared for what officials described as potentially historic temperatures later this week.

In one post on X, Mamdani encouraged residents to check on older family members, friends, and neighbors as extreme heat approached.

"If you have an older loved one, friend, or neighbor, check in with them today. Make sure they’re staying hydrated, spending time in the air-conditioned spaces whenever possible, and know where to find the nearest cooling center," Mamdani wrote.

Older adults are at greater risk for heat-related illness, especially during prolonged periods of extreme heat.

If you have an older loved one, friend, or neighbor, check in with them today. Make sure they're staying hydrated, spending time in air-conditioned spaces whenever…— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) July 2, 2026

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The message came shortly after the mayor asked New Yorkers to conserve electricity by limiting air conditioning use and reducing power consumption throughout the city.

The differing guidance prompted immediate responses from critics on social media, who questioned how older residents should balance the city's request to conserve electricity with recommendations to remain in air-conditioned environments.

Conservative media personality Gina Milan responded to the mayor's post by writing, "You just told old people to keep their air at 78. Are you on drugs?"

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Another social media user wrote, "Mamdani: Older adults are at greater risk for heat-related illness, especially during prolonged periods of extreme heat. Also, Mamdani: set your AC to 78 degrees."

A separate commenter added, "How does he expect these older adults to stay cool if he wants them to keep their thermostat at 78?"

You just told old people to keep their air at 78…. LOL…. Are you on drugs?

— Gina Milan (@ginamilan_) July 2, 2026

Earlier in the week, Mamdani explained that New York City's electrical infrastructure was facing unusually high demand because of the forecast heat.

"New York: it's hot out there, and the power grid is working overtime to keep us cool," Mamdani posted on X.

The mayor asked residents to take several voluntary conservation measures.

"Set your AC to 78 degrees, turn off lights/electronics you're not using, and unplug what you can. 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. A stable grid means the AC stays on, and lives are saved. Let's ease demand — and get through the heat — together."

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

Set your AC to 78 degrees, turn off lights/electronics you're not using, and unplug what you can.Our City is doing its part too: maintaining the 78 degrees rule in our buildings,…— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) July 1, 2026

According to city officials, the conservation request is part of a broader response to the expected heat wave.

New York City has deployed Cooling Outreach On-Location (COOL) vans, extended public pool hours, and opened eight additional cooling centers, including locations at libraries and other public facilities.

The mayor has previously linked climate policy to quality-of-life issues.

During an interview with The Nation last year, before his election victory, Mamdani argued that investments in infrastructure could help protect residents during periods of extreme heat.

"Climate and quality of life are not two separate concerns. They are, in fact, one and the same," Mamdani said while discussing proposals that included school facilities serving as shelters during heat emergencies.

Reality television personality and former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt also criticized the mayor's conservation request.

"Show us your thermostat, commie," Pratt posted on X.

Show us your thermostat, commie https://t.co/nVOVtbFQdD

— Spencer Pratt (@spencerpratt) July 1, 2026

Not all reactions were critical.

One user on X noted that former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani issued similar requests for residents to conserve electricity during periods of high demand in 1999, referencing an archived mayoral press release.

According to the New York Mayor's Office, forecasts indicate the city could experience what officials described as a "historic" heat wave, with the heat index potentially reaching 112 degrees.

City officials continue urging residents to monitor weather conditions, stay hydrated, use available cooling centers when necessary, and follow guidance intended to reduce strain on the electrical grid during periods of peak demand.

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