New York City health officials want to encourage energy conservation by lowering the minimum temperature required in commercial buildings.
The planned rule change would allow the owners of office towers, restaurants and shopping centers to set their thermostats as low as 65 degrees, down from the current limit of 68.
The new limit wouldn't apply to residential buildings.
Turning down the heat can save a ton in fuel costs, but some observers question whether landlords will be interested in the savings.
Standard leases on commercial property usually call for thermostats to be set no lower than a balmy 70 degrees. That means tenants would have to agree to a cooler building.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
