Statement From Governor Kathy Hochul
“New York State is in the midst of a prolonged heat wave, and we’ve been carefully monitoring our electrical grid to ensure it is able to withstand the increase in energy usage and keep New Yorkers safe.
“My team has been coordinating with Con-Ed, NYISO and New York City leaders to ensure all large consumers able to switch to other fuel sources have done so to reduce their usage. Due to the increase in energy demand and unexpected load challenges, I am also calling on New Yorkers to do their part to proactively conserve electricity if safe to do so by setting air conditioning units between 75 – 78 degrees and avoiding unnecessary appliance use. These small steps can go a long way.
“While we are asking for New Yorkers to voluntarily conserve power, it’s critical to stay safe in this dangerous heat: stay hydrated, reduce time outdoors and find a cooling center near you, especially if you’re a senior citizen or have health concerns.
“I thank New Yorkers for taking these steps to reduce their usage and helping us keep the power on and protect the most vulnerable in our community.”
New York’s latest Hochul heat warning is simple: save power where it is safe, but do not risk your health. On July 2, 2026, Governor Kathy Hochul said the state was watching the electric grid during a prolonged heat wave and asked New Yorkers to voluntarily conserve electricity by raising air conditioning settings and avoiding unnecessary appliance use. At the same time, she urged residents to stay hydrated, reduce outdoor time, and find cooling centers when needed.
That balance matters. During extreme heat, families face two pressures at once. Air conditioning can save lives, especially for seniors and people with asthma, heart disease, or other health concerns. But when millions of homes and businesses cool down at the same time, demand on the electric grid rises fast.
Hochul’s message was not a shutdown order. It was a public appeal: conserve if you can do so safely.
“These small steps can go a long way,” Hochul said in her statement. She also thanked residents for helping “keep the power on.”
Why New York Is Asking People to Conserve Power
The New York Independent System Operator, known as NYISO, said high temperatures, humidity, and heavy air conditioning use can place added pressure on generation and transmission resources across the state. On July 1, NYISO forecast peak electricity demand at 32,410 megawatts for Thursday, July 2, followed by 30,680 megawatts on Friday, July 3.
For context, New York’s record peak demand was 33,956 megawatts in July 2013, during a week-long heat wave. Peak demand measures the average total electric demand over a one-hour period.
NYISO urged customers to conserve power, if safe, by raising air conditioning thermostats and delaying major appliance use until demand eases.
What Residents Are Being Asked To Do
Hochul’s statement recommends practical steps that many households can take without putting anyone at risk:
- Set air conditioning between 75 and 78 degrees, if safe.
- Avoid unnecessary appliance use during peak demand.
- Turn off lights and devices not in use.
- Delay laundry, dishwashers, and other high-energy tasks.
- Check on seniors, neighbors, and people with health concerns.
The key phrase is “if safe to do so.” No one should turn off cooling when it could endanger their health.
Heat Safety Comes First
Extreme heat is not just uncomfortable. It can be deadly. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation says extreme heat is the leading cause of death among hazardous weather events in the United States, citing the National Weather Service. DEC also notes that heat risks are not spread evenly. Older adults, infants, children, unhoused people, people with chronic illness, and communities facing environmental and economic stress are among those at higher risk.
Earlier this week, Hochul warned that “feels-like” temperatures could reach up to 110 degrees in some parts of the state. Extreme Heat Watches were listed for several regions, including the Mohawk Valley, Capital Region, Long Island, Mid-Hudson, New York City, and the Southern Tier.
That makes this a statewide concern, not only a downstate energy story.
Signs of Heat Trouble
Residents should take heat symptoms seriously. Warning signs may include:
- Dizziness or weakness
- Heavy sweating or hot, dry skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Muscle cramps
- Fainting
If symptoms are severe, seek medical help right away.
Hochul also reminded New Yorkers to “stay hydrated” and limit outdoor activity. In an earlier heat safety statement, she said checking on vulnerable neighbors matters because “one phone call or visit could save a life.”
The Grid Is Prepared, But Heat Still Tests the System
The state’s Department of Public Service says NYISO projected that New York should have enough electricity to meet demand for the June through September period. The summer outlook listed a projected peak demand of 31,578 megawatts and 40,872 megawatts of capacity resources.
Still, the same outlook explains that utilities may take special steps on extremely hot days. Those steps can include public appeals to reduce electricity use, requests to large business customers, and demand reduction programs.
That is what makes voluntary conservation important. When households and businesses cut unnecessary use, they help reduce pressure at the most difficult hours.
What This Means for Utica and the Mohawk Valley
For Utica, Rome, and the Mohawk Valley, the Hochul heat warning should be read as a public safety notice. Many local families already face high utility bills, older housing, and limited access to cooling. In those homes, conservation cannot mean suffering in dangerous heat.
The fair approach is shared responsibility.
Households that can safely raise thermostats should do so. Large energy users should reduce avoidable demand. Local governments, libraries, community groups, and neighbors should help people find cooling options. Families should check on older relatives, people with disabilities, and anyone without reliable air conditioning.
This is also a reminder that climate stress and infrastructure stress often meet in the same neighborhoods. Extreme heat hits hardest where there is less shade, more pavement, older buildings, and fewer resources.
A Fair Counterpoint: Conservation Is Not a Long-Term Plan
Some New Yorkers may fairly ask: Why should residents have to adjust their homes when the state should be building a stronger, cleaner, more reliable grid?
That concern is valid. Emergency conservation can help during a heat wave, but it is not a full solution. New York still needs long-term investments in grid reliability, energy efficiency, weatherization, tree canopy, affordable cooling, and local emergency planning.
The state’s Extreme Heat Action Plan includes steps such as expanding cooling center access, supporting regional heat plans, improving public health messaging, and reducing urban heat exposure.
In other words, today’s conservation request should not replace tomorrow’s infrastructure work. Both are needed.
What New Yorkers Should Do Now
During this heat wave, the safest plan is direct and practical:
- Keep cooling available for anyone at health risk.
- Raise thermostats only if it is safe.
- Avoid major appliance use during peak hours.
- Drink water before you feel thirsty.
- Stay out of direct sun when possible.
- Check on seniors, children, pets, and neighbors.
- Use cooling centers or public cooling spaces when needed.
- Follow local emergency alerts and weather updates.
Conclusion: Small Steps, Shared Duty
The Hochul heat warning is a call for calm, careful action. New York is not asking people to choose between safety and conservation. It is asking residents to do what they safely can so the electric grid can carry the load and vulnerable people can stay protected.
The message for the Mohawk Valley is clear: conserve where possible, cool where necessary, and check on one another.
Extreme heat is a community test. Passing it requires more than electricity. It requires neighbors, planning, and public responsibility.
Call to action: Check on one person today who may be at risk from the heat. A quick call, text, or visit could make all the difference.
