The U.S. Department of Energy has reportedly removed roughly 6,000 webpages related to energy conservation at a time when much of the country is experiencing severe summer heat. The deleted material, according to the report, included guidance from the agency’s Energy Saver program on home efficiency, water conservation, insulation, solar programs, and recommendations for managing electricity use during periods of high demand. Archived versions remain available through the Internet Archive.
The removals drew attention after New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to reduce pressure on the power grid during a heatwave by setting air conditioners to 78 degrees. Several Republican officials, including Senator Ted Cruz, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, and Representative Nancy Mace, criticized the request, portraying it as excessive government involvement in household choices.
Energy conservation requests of this kind are not unusual during extreme heat. The Department of Energy had previously advised Americans to keep thermostats between 75 and 78 degrees when practical, and officials in states including Texas have issued similar appeals during past grid emergencies. The purpose is generally to reduce peak electricity demand and lower the risk of outages.
New York City experienced four consecutive days above 95 degrees, including two days above 100, conditions that can sharply increase air-conditioning use. Grid operators often face added challenges when heat coincides with weekends or holidays, when more people may be at home. Officials say modest thermostat adjustments can help preserve service and prevent blackouts that would leave residents without cooling.
Public health agencies have long identified extreme heat as a serious hazard. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicate that heat causes more deaths in the United States than floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes combined. The episode highlights the intersection of energy policy, public safety, and political messaging.