Duquesne Light Company is excited to announce that we are further bringing our Larger than Light brand promise to life with a plan to drive Pittsburgh into the energy-efficient future.
Electric vehicle (EV) registrations are projected to increase 100 times over in the next 20 years. With this level of growth on the horizon, we know it’s important to help our customers and employees better understand the benefits of electrifying transportation, including reduced emissions, lower fuel costs and improved utilization of the electric grid.
Duquesne Light’s Four-Part EV Initiative
Fleet Conversion
We have committed to allocating at least five percent of our annual fleet purchase to electric vehicles and related technologies, in partnership with the Edison Electric Institute (EEI). In 2016, we purchased eight 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. Throughout the remainder of 2017, we have plans to purchase four additional trucks and are continually evaluating technologies to further electrify our fleet.
Education and Outreach
Research indicates that the lack of consumer knowledge is a significant barrier to EV adoption. As an initial step to better educate our employees and our customers, we created a webpage that provides information to help consumers better understand EVs and their benefits. Additionally, we added a new dedicated section to our “Electric Lane” exhibit at the 2017 Pittsburgh Home & Garden Show focused on EV education. We also have plans to further these efforts through our future marketing campaigns and community outreach events.
Customer Collaboration
Regional stakeholders, such as the City and the Port Authority, are beginning to consider electrifying portions of their fleets. We will support these customers by ensuring their electrical needs are met to achieve these objectives. We also formed a working group with local organizations to develop joint vehicle electrification projects and leverage publicly available funds.
Programs and Infrastructure
We 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.
#PowerItForward EV Giveaway
To tangibly demonstrate our support for the community and commitment to our customers, we will continue our ongoing effort to “Power It Forward” with a charitable giveaway, donating a plug-in hybrid compact passenger vehicle to one of three local charities to help drive their mission. Our customers have the opportunity to choose which of the deserving organizations – Community Human Services, Northern Area Multi-Service Center or Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania, Inc. – has the most pressing need.
We will unveil the winning organization at our Woods Run facility on the North Shore after the Pittsburgh Home & Garden Show ends.
To learn more about our Electric Vehicle strategy, visit www.duquesnelight.com
To vote in the #PowerItForward initiative, please visit:
http://bit.ly/2mFZ3Ag