Date March 10, 2017
For Release Upon Receipt
Contact Ashlee Yingling
Telephone 412-430-3404
Duquesne Light Company Drives Pittsburgh into the Future with
Electric Vehicle Announcement
Energy Company Unveils Plan, Announces Car Donation at 36th Annual Duquesne Light Pittsburgh Home & Garden Show
PITTSBURGH – Duquesne Light Company announced its electric vehicle (EV) plan today at the 36th Annual Duquesne Light Pittsburgh Home & Garden Show at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. As the title sponsor of the event for the 19th consecutive year, the Company re-energized the floor with a new, innovative “Electric Lane” that reflects its positioning as a next generation energy company.
Paving the Way for Electric Vehicles
According to the Electric Power Research Institute, electric vehicle registrations in Duquesne Light’s service territory are projected to reach nearly 100,000 within 20 years, which is 100 times the number registered today. With this level of growth on the horizon, Duquesne Light is helping its customers and employees better understand the benefits of electrifying transportation, including reduced emissions, lower fuel costs, and improved utilization of the electric grid.
“Vehicle electrification is a key component of Pittsburgh’s energy future and Duquesne Light is helping to pave the way,” said Richard Riazzi, President and CEO of Duquesne Light Company. “As we continue our transformation into a next generation energy company, we have been focused on modernizing our physical infrastructure and implementing new technology. We are now turning our attention to becoming a trusted energy advisor to our customers, helping them make informed energy choices, whether it’s for their home using information from one of our new digital smart meters or in their exploration of electric vehicles.”
The Company’s four-part EV strategy is part of its Larger than Light brand promise to do more than keep the lights on. Key components of the strategy include:
- Fleet Conversion: In partnership with the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), Duquesne Light has committed to allocate at least five percent of its annual fleet purchase to electric vehicles and related technologies. In 2016, the Company purchased plug-in hybrid compact passenger vehicles and two plug-in hybrid bucket trucks that use battery packs to raise the bucket and power the vehicle while idling. In 2017, the Company has plans to purchase four additional trucks and is continually evaluating technologies to further electrify the fleet.
- Education and Outreach: Research indicates that a significant barrier to EV adoption is lack of consumer knowledge associated with the vehicles. As an initial step to better educate our employees and customers, Duquesne Light has created a webpage, www.duquesnelight.com/electricvehicles, that provides information to help consumers better understand EVs. Additionally, the Company has added a new dedicated section to its “Electric Lane” exhibit at the Home & Garden Show focused on EV education. The Company also plans to further these efforts through future marketing campaigns and community outreach events.
- Customer Collaboration: Regional stakeholders are beginning to consider electrifying portions of their fleets. Duquesne Light will support these customers by ensuring their electrical needs are met to achieve these objectives. The Company has also formed a working group with local organizations to develop joint vehicle electrification projects and leverage publicly available funds.
- Programs and Infrastructure: Duquesne Light recently commenced a company-wide project to evaluate potential EV incentive programs, rates, and charging infrastructure needs throughout the region. The project is expected to conclude later in 2017, using the results to finalize this last component of the EV strategy.
Powering It Forward With EV Giveaway
To tangibly demonstrate its support for the community and commitment to its customers, Duquesne Light continues its ongoing effort to #PowerItForward with a charitable giveaway, awarding one of three local charities with a plug-in hybrid compact passenger vehicle to help drive their mission. Customers have the opportunity to choose, both at the Home & Garden Show and online, which of the following organizations they feel has the most pressing need. Duquesne Light is donating the car with support from Classic Chevrolet in Bellevue, Pa.
- Community Human Services (CHS): CHS works to strengthen communities by empowering more than 8,000 individuals and families in Allegheny County to live in stable housing, connect to community resources, build relationships and access quality food. An EV would expand the agency’s ability to provide transportation for customers to critical service meetings, healthcare appointments and housing searches.
- Northern Area Multi-Service Center (NAMS): NAMS provides a range of community programs, including health and housing services, primarily to senior citizens and veterans in need throughout western Pennsylvania. An EV would enable NAMS to expand food delivery services to veterans, as well as transport individuals to appointments, the grocery store and the organization’s four senior centers.
- Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania, Inc. (VLP): VLP provides essential housing, employment and other vital supportive services to more than 2,700 veterans, service members and their families annually to improve self-sufficiency, sustainability and quality of life throughout western Pennsylvania. An EV would assist VLP in providing essential housing and supportive services as well as to conduct outreach at social service and veteran events.
Duquesne Light will unveil the winning organization after the Home & Garden Show ends at the Company’s Woods Run facility on the North Shore.
Pittsburgh Home & Garden Show
Hundreds of thousands of Pittsburgh residents attend the Home & Garden Show each year, seeking fresh ideas to improve their living space. Located on the second floor, guests who visit “Electric Lane” can expect to find a new section dedicated to EV education. The display includes educational information and materials, a branded hybrid bucket truck, a home charging unit, and a station to vote in the #PowerItForward EV giveaway.
Also new this year is a “peel-and-win” ticket, from which guests can win a magnet clip, nightlight, portable charger or $50 bill-payer gift certificate. Duquesne Light team members will be available to answer questions on a wide range of topics including electrical safety, smart meters, vegetation management, infrastructure updates, storm preparation plans and restoration priorities.
Making a return to “Electric Lane” is Wattley and the Watt Choices booth, featuring the popular “spin-and-win” wheel. Guests also can learn more about the Watt Choices Energy-Efficient Product Marketplace, rebates and recycling, home energy audits, and discounts.
Duquesne Light customers can take advantage of an exclusive $3 discount on weekday admissions and have the chance to win free tickets on the Company’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
To learn more about Duquesne Light’s Electric Vehicle strategy and its involvement at the Home & Garden show, visit www.duquesnelight.com.
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.