NEWS RELEASE
Date November 17, 2016
For Release Upon Receipt
Contacts Ashlee Yingling
ayingling@duqlight.com
412.430.3404
Duquesne Light Company Thanks Pittsburghers and Encourages Them to Power It Forward
Point State Park tree lighting, commuter events, 24-hour online fundraiser kickoff the holiday season
PITTSBURGH – Duquesne Light Company is bringing its Larger than Light mentality to life in a new and unexpected way this holiday season by asking Pittsburghers to Power It Forward. Inspired by the “pay it forward” concept, Power It Forward is designed to inspire holiday kindness and reciprocal goodwill among thousands of Pittsburghers, both on social media and on the City streets.
Point State Park Tree Lighting
The program launches tonight at 7 p.m. at Point State Park with a ceremonial lighting of the 80-foot Duquesne Light holiday tree by a local family. A military veteran from Penn Hills and her family have been selected by the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania to switch on the spectacular display of lights. In 2016, Duquesne Light and its approximately 1,500 employees raised nearly $600,000 for United Way and the individuals and families assisted through the United Way Impact Fund. This is one more way the company is supporting the United Way and those in need.
“Duquesne Light is proud to power the communities we serve, both on the job and through annual donations and employee volunteerism,” said Richard Riazzi, President and CEO of Duquesne Light Company. “As we work to become a next generation energy company, our employees remain the driving force behind our dedication to our customers. We’re thankful for them and hope to inspire others to join us in Powering It Forward this holiday season.”
Commuter Events / 24-Hour Online Fundraiser
Beginning tomorrow at 6 a.m., the Company will inspire Pittsburghers to Power It Forward by deploying street teams with free hot beverages for commuters, and others who truly energize the City.
Additionally, for every social media engagement captured November 18, Duquesne Light will donate $5 to the Dollar Energy Fund on behalf of its customers. Dollar Energy Fund provides utility assistance grants to limited-income families and individuals in our region.
Any of the following actions will count as a donation (effective from 12 a.m. on November 18 to 12:00 a.m. on November 19):
- “Like” Duquesne Light Company on Facebook, and engage with campaign posts: facebook.com/DuquesneLight
- Follow @DuquesneLight on Twitter, and engage with campaign Tweets: twitter.com/DuquesneLight
- Use Duquesne Light’s custom Snapchat filter, geo-targeted at key locations, including Point State Park, Ft. Duquesne Blvd., Market Square, PPG Plaza and Gateway Center
- Utilize the campaign hashtag, #PowerItForward, on Facebook or Twitter
Additional Holiday Activities
In addition, Duquesne Light is helping to power one of Pittsburgh’s most iconic landmarks, the Rachel Carson Bridge. The company provided electrical and construction support for the unique environmental art installation, called Energy Flow, which combines light and wind to create a temporary display on the bridge. The project will be officially unveiled on November 18th.
Duquesne Light also partnered with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy to illuminate 14 trees in the newly restored Mellon Square Park as part of the company’s efforts to brighten the holiday season.
To learn more about Power It Forward, visit www.duquesnelight.com or Duquesne Light’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
About Duquesne Light Company
Duquesne Light Company is committed to more than keeping the lights on; it powers the moments in its customers’ lives. As a next generation energy company, Duquesne Light Company’s nearly 1,500 employees are dedicated to delivering reliable and safe energy to more than a half a million customers in southwestern Pennsylvania.
About United Way of Southwestern PA
United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, serving Allegheny, Westmoreland, Fayette and Southern Armstrong counties, leads and mobilizes the caring power of individuals, the business community and organizations to help local people in need measurably improve their lives. United Way creates long-lasting change for the betterment of our community.
About Dollar Energy Fund
Dollar Energy Fund is a 501 (c) 3 organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for households experiencing hardships by providing utility assistance and other services that lead to self-sufficiency. For more than 33 years, we’ve served the limited-income community by providing $134 million in utility assistance grants to more than 480,000 limited-income families and individuals.
###