NEWS RELEASE
Date September 6, 2018
For Release Upon Receipt
Contacts Niki Campbell
ncampbell@duqlight.com
412.430.3404
Duquesne Light To Host ‘Market Square Electric Lunch’ Event in Celebration of National Drive Electric Week
Company Highlights Advancements in Electric Vehicle Strategy and Encourages Pittsburghers to Drive Electric
PITTSBURGH – In recognition of National Drive Electric Week (September 8 – 16), Duquesne Light Company (DLC) and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) are hosting the “Market Square Electric Lunch, Powered by DLC,” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, September 12, in downtown Pittsburgh.
This inaugural event aims to heighten awareness of electric vehicle (EV) availability and benefits, such as lower fuel costs, fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and better utilization of the electric grid. This combined effort supports Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities (PRCC) —a valued partner of DLC—and its mission to reduce petroleum use in transportation, making Pittsburgh a more sustainable place to live, work and visit.
The event will feature local dignitaries and dozens of EV supporters and vendors that are working alongside DLC to make vehicle electrification an important part of Pittsburgh’s energy future. State Representative Jim Marshall (District 14) has also recognized the event in House Resolution 1035 proclaiming September 8 - 16, 2018, as National Drive Electric Week in Pennsylvania.
“Duquesne Light recognizes the need for greater education and awareness about the benefits and availability of EVs and for growing the charging infrastructure in the city,” said Campbell Hawkins, Vice President, Customer Service for Duquesne Light. “We are proud to bring National Drive Electric Week to downtown and excited to showcase the variety of vehicles available to those interested in driving an EV. Through our strategic partnerships with the City of Pittsburgh, PRCC and other event supporters, we are advancing the collective effort to make EVs more accessible, and our region more energy-efficient.”
With EV registrations in DLC’s service territory set to reach nearly 100,000 in the next 20 years, the company is modernizing its grid and making noticeable advancements. A new charging station project with the Pittsburgh Parking Authority is one such endeavor.
“Electric vehicle adoption is increasing, and we want to offer commuters and residents a convenient and accessible charging infrastructure to support their EVs,” said Dave Onorato, Executive Director, Pittsburgh Parking Authority. “Through our partnership with DLC, we will build on our current inventory of 11 EV Chargers by installing four new dual-port charging stations at both the Smithfield-Liberty and Third Avenue Garages, which will help reduce range anxiety among EV drivers and those considering driving electric. We hope to play our part in making downtown Pittsburgh a more sustainable place to drive, park and work.”
Since the launch of its EV strategy last year, DLC has committed to increasing the number of electric vehicles and the availability of charging infrastructure within its service territory in Allegheny and Beaver counties. The DLC electrified fleet includes nine sedans, four bucket trucks and three forklifts, with an anticipated allocation of 20 percent of the Company’s fleet purchases designated to EVs in 2019.
In addition to the City of Pittsburgh and DLC EVs on display, event attendees will have the opportunity to ride in or test drive EVs from local dealers and see the PDP’s new John Deere electric Gator Utility Vehicle donated by DLC.
Among the electric vehicles slated to be on display are: Tesla Model X, Mitsubishi Outlander, Honda Clarity, Ford Focus, Cadillac ELR, Chevy Bolt, Chevy Volt, BMW i3, MINI Countryman E, Ford Fusion Energi, Nissan Leaf, Chrysler Pacifica, and Volvo XC60 T8 and XC90 T8. In addition, there will be an electric pedicab, eBikes, eBoards and eScooters on display.
Click here for more details on the event. For a full list of attendees, vendors and EV displays, check out DLC’s Facebook and Twitter pages for ongoing updates.
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 half a million customers in southwestern Pennsylvania.
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