New York City officials are urging residents to reduce electricity usage after the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) issued an Energy Watch Thursday due to increased demand during the ongoing heat wave.

According to NYISO, the state's electric grid is currently operating normally and has adequate resources to meet demand. However, operating reserves have declined, prompting the alert and a call for voluntary conservation to help maintain grid reliability.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani echoed the request, asking New Yorkers to take several simple steps to reduce strain on the system, including:

* Setting air conditioners to 78 degrees.

* Turning off lights and unplugging electronics that are not in use.

* Running high-energy appliances such as dishwashers and laundry machines during the early morning or late at night.

The mayor emphasized that while air conditioning is essential during the dangerous heat, conserving electricity will help ensure the power grid remains stable so residents can continue to rely on it.

NYISO noted that the grid remains stable at this time, but voluntary conservation can help reduce stress on the system as temperatures remain high across New York.