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Watson Substation Project

Update as of 10/29/25 at 10:40 p.m. EST: Phase 2 of the power transfer to the Watson Substation was successfully completed. 

COMMITMENT TO SAFE, RESILIENT SERVICE 

Duquesne Light Company (DLC) is committed to making Downtown Pittsburgh one of the most resilient electrical networks in the world by diversifying the energy sources it relies upon. We are currently advancing several initiatives to strengthen the region’s power grid, including grid modernization, infrastructure upgrades and community support, including the construction of the state-of-the-art Watson Substation in the Bluff neighborhood. These efforts aim to improve resiliency amid increasingly volatile weather and to meet the region’s growing energy demands. 

Watson Substation Project

As Downtown continues its resurgence with large-scale projects like Arts Landing and the refurbishment of Market Square that will redefine the neighborhood, and with the 2026 NFL Draft around the corner, DLC is proud to contribute to this new renaissance with the construction of a new state-of-the-art facility called the Watson Substation. This new cornerstone of DLC’s electrical grid will provide an additional source of safe, resilient power to the Golden Triangle. 

As part of DLC’s commitment to resiliency, the Watson Substation was constructed to make the electrical grid stronger and more dependable for residents, businesses and visitors in the Pittsburgh area.

Transferring Power to Watson

Prior to the substation’s expected completion in December 2025, DLC will need to transfer power to the facility. We plan to complete this process in two phases on Tuesday, Oct. 28, and Wednesday, Oct. 29, both at approximately 10 p.m. Based on current projections and subject to conditions remaining stable, we anticipate the possibility of a brief, temporary power outage each night, which is not expected to exceed 30 minutes. This estimate is provided for planning purposes only and may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.

Should we need to postpone the power transfer, the alternate dates will be Tuesday, Nov. 18, and Wednesday, Nov. 19. Customers should ensure that their contact information is updated in order to receive timely communications about the project.

More information can be found in the FAQs below.

SYSTEM CAPACITY AND RESILIENCY ENHANCEMENTS
DLC has committed to investing over $2.7 billion over the next five years to improve the overall health and resiliency of the company’s system. DLC is committed to maintaining the region’s critical infrastructure to serve customers through prudent investment and management of company resources. The company will continue to invest in upgrades to circuits and substations to meet customers’ evolving energy needs and provide safe and resilient service.

Substation Location:

Bluff neighborhood, commonly referred to as Uptown and the Hill District

Collaboration:

Burns and McDonnell in coordination with Perrfido, Wiskopf Wagstaff + Goettel

Project Timing:

Complete by December 2025

Increase Resiliency and Capacity:

Downtown electrical system and added growth to the Greater Pittsburgh region

Community Investment:

Development contributing to EcoInnovation District Plan in the Uptown and West Oakland areas

Total Capital Project Investment:

$237.4 Million

Location While in Construction

FUTURE NETWORK FEED
PUBLIC OUTREACH

Communications are critical elements of DLC’s planning process, and we have engaged with elected officials and government agencies at the city, county and state levels; property owners; and other stakeholders within the community. DLC is in the process of communicating with customers to keep them well-informed with up-to-date information on the connection of the new substation. DLC will also host an open house for the media to learn more about the proposed project and transfer of service.  

CONTACT INFORMATION

Please contact the Duquesne Light Customer Relations team at CustomerRelations@duqlight.com for any questions. 

Frequently Asked Questions FOR Business & Commercial Customers  
Will DLC need access to my building? Do I need to have anyone on-site to support the power transfer from my building ?

DLC will need access to electrical vaults within some buildings. We will keep you informed of the timing and schedule. DLC recommends that all commercial customers have someone on site to support the transfer of power supply.

Am I responsible for informing my tenants or will DLC do that as well? 

DLC will communicate with residential customers based on the contact information we have on file. We strongly recommend that you communicate with your tenants as well to ensure all parties are informed.

I have critical systems (e.g., medical equipment, elevators, fire alarms, IT Infrastructure) that must remain in operation during the power transfer. What can I do?

If your building supports critical operations or medical equipment, please contact the DLC Customer Relations team at CustomerRelations@duqlight.com for any questions before October 1, 2025.  

Frequently Asked Questions FOR RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS  
What is the Watson Substation project?

Duquesne Light Company (DLC) is undertaking several projects to enhance the resiliency of Pittsburgh's power grid, including investments in grid modernization, infrastructure upgrades and engaging community support. These efforts are driven by the need to meet the growing energy demands of the region and to improve resiliency in the face of increasingly volatile weather. As Downtown continues its resurgence with large-scale projects like Arts Landing and the refurbishment of Market Square that will redefine the neighborhood, and with the 2026 NFL Draft around the corner, DLC is proud to contribute to this new renaissance with the construction of a new state-of-the-art facility called the Watson Substation. Built in the Bluff neighborhood (often referred to by residents as Uptown or part of the Hill District) this new cornerstone of DLC’s electrical grid will provide an additional source of safe, resilient power to the Golden Triangle.

What is a substation?

A substation provides redundancy and resiliency to the grid and functions as a “step down,” converting higher-voltage electricity from a transmission system to lower-voltage electricity that can be safely delivered to homes and businesses through distribution lines.

What type of work will be happening and how will it affect me?

As part of the process to bring the substation online, a planned transfer of power will be required. This step is necessary to safely connect the new facility to existing transmission and distribution lines. While we aim to minimize any disruption, this work may result in a brief, temporary service interruption. Potentially affected customers in the Downtown area are being notified in advance, and we appreciate their patience as we complete this important upgrade to the electrical grid.

What specific areas will be affected when the Watson Substation comes online?

The transfer of the power supply to the Watson Substation will potentially impact some customers located within the Downtown Pittsburgh and Uptown areas and including Boulevard of the Allies; Fort Pitt Boulevard; Bigelow Square; Boyd, Chatham, Crawford, Diamond, Grant, Ross, Smithfield and Wood Streets; Centre, Forbes, Liberty, Oliver, First, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Avenues; Cherry, Strawberry and William Penn Ways.

When will the power transfer occur?

The transfer is planned to take place on the nights of Tuesday, Oct. 28, and Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, at approximately 10 p.m. Each customer will only potentially be affected on one of those evenings and DLC has reached out to those customers to confirm which evening. Based on current projections and subject to conditions remaining stable, DLC anticipates the possibility of a brief temporary outage, which is not expected to exceed thirty (30) minutes. This estimate is provided for planning purposes only and may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.

How will DLC ensure the transfer of power supply to the Watson Substation will run smoothly and safely?
DLC engaged multiple independent third parties to conduct a thorough review of the planned procedures for accuracy and quality assurance. All of those reviews endorsed DLC’s plans as safe and effective for this scenario. We have also run numerous simulations of the technical process and staged tabletop exercises to prepare our personnel for this event.
 
How is DLC communicating with customers who may be impacted?
Public outreach and communications are critical elements of the planning process for the transfer. We are using a multi-channel, phased communications approach including letters, emails, phone calls and more to ensure all impacted customers are informed and prepared. We encourage all customers to update their contact information in their Account Settings as part of this effort.
 
Will public transportation/parking garages still be accessible in the Downtown area?

Yes, parking garages will remain open. Elevators, lighting and automated systems may be temporarily unavailable during the transfer of power, which is not expected to exceed thirty (30) minutes. Allow extra time when entering or exiting parking garages and use the stairs when possible. If you require accessibility accommodations, please contact ALCO Parking at (412) 323-4455.

What is being done to address public safety during the power transfer?

At DLC, the safety of our employees, contractors, customers and community is always the top priority. We are coordinating with local emergency officials. Additional internal personnel will be onsite to assist with traffic control, pedestrian safety and any potential emergency response efforts as this work may lead to temporary service interruptions to traffic lights, residential properties and businesses. For real-time updates and guidance, you can go to this webpage, DuquesneLight.com/Watson for more information. 

 
What can I do to prepare for this power transfer?

 

Please visit the resources below to plan for a potential service interruption:

 

How will I be notified when the power transfer is complete?

If you are an impacted customer, and we have your contact information on file, we will notify you when the transfer is complete. Verify or update your contact information by visiting your Account Settings. 

Will DLC provide generators for any business or resident?

DLC does not supply generators for general use.

What can I do if I or my residents have a medical condition that requires power?

If you or someone in the building relies on life-sustaining medical equipment (e.g., respirators, ventilators, oxygen concentrators, etc.), DLC strongly recommends having a backup plan for all power outages, such as portable generators or battery backups. You can also reach out to our team to secure a backup power device for medical purposes at CustomerRelations@duqlight.com before the power transfer occurs. Available on a first come, first served basis.

What if the power transfer damages my appliances or my food spoils?

While we are taking extensive precautions to ensure a safe, controlled, brief transfer of power supply, we understand concerns about these potential impacts. If you believe any damage has occurred as a result of the transfer, you may submit a claim to DLC’s Claims Department by calling 412-393-6032 and following the voicemail prompts. You can also submit a claim online by filling out the Customer Claims Form. Once a claim is submitted, we will reach out to you to gather more information. 

Where are warming/cooling centers if needed?

The City of Pittsburgh and/or Allegheny County periodically activate warming or cooling centers as needed based on weather. If available, you can find locations of warming or cooling centers by checking DLC’s outage map. 

Should I expect any additional work in the future?

DLC does not anticipate any additional work related to this project scheduled in the future that will directly impact customer service.

Who do I contact before or during the event with questions?

Contact 911 for any emergencies or reach out to the DLC Customer Relations team at CustomerRelations@duqlight.com for any questions.