As temperatures climb and air conditioners run full blast, concerns are growing about high demand on New York’s electric grid, prompting state and utility leaders to urge residents to conserve power.

The New York Independent System Operator said the heat is putting strain on the grid and suggested conserving electricity, if safe to do so, by raising air-conditioning thermostats and postponing unnecessary use of major appliances until demand on the electric system eases.

Gov. Kathy Hochul is recommending New Yorkers keep their air conditioners between 75 and 78 degrees.

Patrick Stella of National Grid said 78 degrees is a good target for people who can manage it.

“It’s that 78 degrees is a really nice place to keep it if you can,” Stella said. “But, you know, any degree that you can turn it up just a little bit, even by one degree, you can save a couple of percentage, a couple of percent on your bill that month. So, you know, one degree even helps a lot.”

In Schenectady and Niskayuna, people out at ice cream stands and splash pads said they were finding ways to cope with the heat, even as some described the conditions as extreme.

“I love the heat, honestly,” one person said. “I would rather have this than snow.”

Elliott Chismark of Voorheesville said, “I don’t mind the heat normally, but a hundred is pretty excessive, so that’s kind of rough.”

Moriah Cearley of Ballston Spa said she plans to adjust based on how hot it feels. “Staying inside if it’s too hot or I can go swimming,” she said. “We have a creek nearby so that’s been my usual plan.”

Imare Moore of Niskayuna said, “I’m not really holding up honestly,” adding, “Eating ice cream and a lot of fruit.”

But when asked about setting home thermostats to 78 degrees, several residents said they would not.

“That’s insane, that’s impossible,” Moore said. “I’m sorry, but no.”

Jessica Lamalfaso of Scotia agreed. “I don’t, no,” she said. “We don’t do 78. Maybe like 70.”

Lamalfaso said her household uses blackout curtains to help keep heat out. “And we have blackout curtains, so that helps a lot, keep a lot of the heat out, but, which I recommend for all houses, blackout curtains,” she said. “But we keep ours at about 70.”

National Grid said even raising the thermostat by a single degree can help customers save money and reduce strain on the energy grid.