Con Ed requested on Wednesday, June 30, that its customers refrain from using energy-intensive appliances, such as washers, dryers, and microwaves unless necessary, and to set air conditioners to the highest comfortable temperature possible, but many New Yorkers were quick to hit back in indignation, coming up instead with what they believed was an alternative quick fix to energy conservation: turn off Times Square…

 

Con Ed said NWS forecasted maximum heat index values of 100-104 degrees for June 30, with heat indices on Thursday July 1 set to drop to the mid-80s.

 

We need New Yorkers to take IMMEDIATE action: reduce your use of electricity in your home or your business for the rest of the day. We need to avoid energy disruptions during this heat emergency. https://t.co/w5BQDHzUFt

— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) June 30, 2021

As of 10 a.m. on June 30, 252 cooling centers had activated, and were due to deactivate by 8 p.m.

 

Meanwhile, in response to the announcement, many New Yorkers took to social media to suggest that if Con Ed and the City wanted to conserve energy, they should shut off the many lights and screens on Times Square.

not New York City sending me an emergency alert telling me to turn off my ac when Times Square is lit up like she is

— alex (@alex_abads) June 30, 2021

literally turn off Times Square

— nolan (@anxiousdeluxe) June 30, 2021

Check out other tips to stay safe in the heat here, as previously reported.

NYC sending a text to residents to turn down the AC while leaving Times Square lit up is a great example of how the “individual responsibility to stop climate change” has been pushed to redirect our focus away from the corporations & failed government policy causing the most harm

— Savvy☭ (@sleepisocialist) July 1, 2021

 

For more information, visit NYC.gov/beattheheat. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency communications program. To sign up for Notify NYC, download the free mobile application, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, call 311, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.