NEWS RELEASE
Date November 1, 2017
For Release Upon Receipt
Contacts Ashlee Yingling
412.430.3404
Duquesne Light Company Reminds Customers About Energy Assistance Programs
Enrollment is open for all grants and services
PITTSBURGH – With the winter months fast approaching, Duquesne Light is prepared to assist low-income households with their electric bills through a variety of assistance programs that will ensure they remain connected to a safe, reliable source of electricity as the cold weather arrives.
“Duquesne Light wants to help all families keep their homes powered and warm this winter,” said Campbell Hawkins, Vice President of Customer Service at Duquesne Light. “Our team is prepared to help customers find the right program to assist their needs and remain connected to a reliable source of electricity.”
In addition, every year Duquesne Light follows up directly with customers who have had their service shut off to provide information about a variety of options that may be available to help restore service and to assist them after reconnection.
Programs available to Duquesne Light customers include:
- Customer Assistance Program (CAP) forgives arrears over time and lowers the monthly payment, based on the customer’s ability to pay. It’s available to all households that meet income eligibility, based on federal guidelines. CAP is available year-round. Call Duquesne Light at 1-888-393-7600 for more information.
- Smart Comfort helps customers lower their bills by providing free information and services to reduce electric usage. This program is available year-round. Call Duquesne Light at 1-888-393-7600 for more information.
- Customer Assistance & Referral Evaluation Service (CARES) helps eligible customers obtain support and assistance from appropriate social service agencies. This program is available year-round. Call Duquesne Light at 1-888-393-7600 for more information.
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federally funded program, offers:
- Cash grant provides up to $500 per heating season to help you pay your utility bill.
- Crisis grant provides additional help if you are in an emergency situation and are in jeopardy of losing your heat.
Enrollment in LIHEAP began Nov. 1, 2017. The last day to apply is April 6, 2018. Call the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095 for more information.
- Dollar Energy Fund offers a grant of up to $500 to households that meet income eligibility. Duquesne Light was a founding partner in this hardship fund. The Company matches customers’ contributions, up to $375,000 annually, to reduce arrearages and restore services. This program is available until funds are depleted. Call Duquesne Light at 1-888-393-7600 for more information.
- Home Weatherization Program offers energy-saving improvements (such as caulking and weather-stripping) to low- and fixed-income households, regardless of whether you own your home or rent. This program is available year-round. Call the City of Pittsburgh’s Action Housing at 412-281-2102 (ext.2101) for more information.
Duquesne Light customer service representatives are trained to refer customers who are having problems paying their bill to available energy-assistance programs. As a whole, these programs provide Duquesne Light customers with a variety of options to assist them through the winter months. For more information on these energy assistance programs, customers should call 1-888-393-7600 or visit www.duquesnelight.com/CAP.
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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