DOE Thermostat Guidance Removed After NYC Mayor’s 78°F Call

The DOE advice, part of Energy Saver, urged “as high as comfortable” thermostat settings, a 7°F increase when homes are empty, and steps such as weatherization. Mamdani’s appeal, during a heat-wave alert, called for a 78°F rule, dimmed lighting, and reduced non-essential electricity use.

Newsweek

Late June – DOE page live with 75-78°F guidance. Early July – page removed. July 4 weekend – Weather issued Extreme Heat Warnings for 26 states and Washington, D.C., forecasting heat-index values up to 115°F; cities reported record temperatures and power disruptions.

Newsweek

Higher thermostat settings can lower residential electricity demand, easing overload on a grid stressed by heat. Conservatives label the recommendation socialist or communist, while city officials present it as a measure to keep the grid stable and protect lives.

Newsweek

DOE has not explained the removal or confirmed endorsement of the 75-78°F guidance. Mayor Mamdani urged New Yorkers to set AC to 78°F and dim lights. Senators labeled guidance socialist or communist, and Governor DeSantis questioned the “warmth of collectivism.”

Newsweek

Republican officials such as Senators Rand Paul, Rick Scott, Lindsey Graham, and Governor Ron DeSantis denounced the recommendation as communist or socialist. Senator Ted Cruz also criticized the guidance, noting Texas had urged similar settings in 2015 under Governor Greg Abbott.

Newsweek

Archived copies show the DOE page existed in late June and was missing by early July, but the agency has not clarified whether the removal was intentional or routine. No evidence links the disappearance to Mayor Mamdani’s remarks, and it remains unclear if the DOE endorses the 75-78°F recommendation.

Newsweek

• “The Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR recommend finding a comfortable indoor temperature during the day and increasing it by 7°F when no one is home. Start with an indoor temperature between 75-78°F during the day,” — U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Saver guidance (archived)

Newsweek

• “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,” — Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City

Newsweek

• “Proof that communism is (unfortunately) alive and well.” — Rand Paul, U.S. Senator (Kentucky)

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• “This is Communism at work,” — Rick Scott, U.S. Senator (Florida)

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• “Socialist Democrats are coming for your AC. This is the future that WOKE Democrats want not just for NYC but for South Carolina too!” — Lindsey Graham, U.S. Senator (South Carolina)

Newsweek

The Department of Energy has been contacted for comment but has not responded, leaving the status of its thermostat guidance uncertain. City officials continue to promote the 78°F target, and observers await any updated DOE guidance.

Newsweek