DOE Deletes Webpage Instructing People to Lower Thermostat to 78
The U.S. Department of Energy removed a webpage that advised setting thermostats to 78°F to save energy during summer, following criticism and confusion. The deletion comes amid ongoing debates about energy conservation guidelines and government recommendations.
Background
- The Department of Energy (DOE) is a US federal agency responsible for energy policy, nuclear security, and scientific research. It often publishes energy-saving guidance for consumers.
- During the summer of 2022, as energy prices spiked and the US faced heatwaves and grid strain, the DOE recommended setting thermostats to 78°F (25.5°C) when home to save energy. This was framed as voluntary conservation.
- In June 2025, Newsweek reported that the DOE removed that specific 78°F webpage. The deletion occurred under the second Trump administration, which has taken an aggressive stance against what it calls "climate alarmism" and has been rolling back efficiency regulations and associated guidance.
- The deletion matters because it reflects a broader political fight: the Trump administration views such energy-saving tips as part of a "green agenda" it opposes, while critics see the removal as putting ideology over practical, cost-saving advice for consumers.