NEWS RELEASE
Date September 14, 2018
For Release Upon Receipt
Contact Jessica Rock
Telephone 412-430-3404
Duquesne Light Company Submits Settlement in Distribution Rate Review
Customers to Receive One-Time Refund from Federal Tax Savings
PITTSBURGH – Duquesne Light Company (DLC) today filed a settlement petition with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) seeking approval to increase distribution rates beginning December 29, 2018, as well as to provide a refund to customers from federal tax savings as a result of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The proposed settlement was agreed to by more than 10 parties, including consumer advocates.
Under the proposed settlement, an average residential customer using 600 kilowatt-hours a month would see his or her total bill increase by about $4.36 (or 4.44 percent) per month. Commercial customers could expect to see an increase of $19.46 (or 1.98 percent) per month and industrial customers could expect to see an increase of $364.77 (or 1.95 percent) per month. If approved, the new rates will be effective on December 29, 2018.
This additional revenue would enable DLC to continue to invest in distribution infrastructure and deploy technology needed to effectively deliver reliable, safe and affordable service as well as support continued growth in southwestern Pennsylvania. The settlement also allows DLC to help customers meet their evolving energy needs through its EV ChargeUp Pilot, which will advance transportation electrification in the region.
“As proposed, this settlement would support DLC’s commitment to better serving our customers while delivering a reliable, affordable and safe source of electricity,” said Rich Riazzi, President and CEO of Duquesne Light Company. “It will help us to improve our electric distribution system, integrate renewables and maintain one of the most reliable grids in the state.”
As part of the settlement, the Company will refund $24 million in federal tax savings to customers related to the reduction in the federal tax rate that occurred in December 2017. A typical residential customer would receive a one-time bill credit of about $25 in January 2019.
For more information, please visit www.duquesnelight.com/buildingthefuture or call customer service at 1-888-664-6579. The settlement proposal is subject to PUC approval.
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.
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