During NYC heatwave, Mayor Adams announced 90 more city facilities will reduce energy use

Mayor Adams plans to announce Wednesday that dozens of additional New York City buildings will lower their energy use due to the impending heatwave with 90-degree temperatures expected throughout the week.

The effort is part of the city’s Demand Response program aimed at reducing energy consumption to safeguard the electrical grid as more and more New Yorkers turn up their air conditioners to beat the heat.

There are 555 city facilities participating in the program this summer. Of those, 90 are new participants, according to Adams’ administration sources.

“Fun in the summer sun can also mean a strain on our power grid as temperatures climb and usage increases,” said Dawn Pinnock, commissioner of the Department of Citywide Administrative Services. “With the success of the Demand Response program, we’re seeing in real-time the benefits this shared network of facilities has on reducing energy use citywide.”

Some of the new facilities participating in the program include the Queens Public Library, the Museum of Jewish Heritage and the city’s Fire Department Academy.

City officials predict that the program will reduce energy consumption by 115 megawatts during peak demand this summer.

Participation in the program also reduces the need for high-polluting power plants to increase output to meet the summer’s usually higher demands on energy.

“We know that when the temperature rises in the summer months, so too does energy usage,” Mayor Adams said. “The city is proud to lead by example when it comes to reducing strain on the grid during peak demand.”

The methods of reducing energy use are straightforward. The Department of Citywide Administrative Services oversees it by powering down equipment, cutting back on AC use and turning off lights.

City officials are encouraging New Yorkers to cut back as well, and are recommending that people set their air conditioners to 78 degrees, refrain from using it when not at home and unplug unused electronics.