Pittsburgh Electricity Rates: Duquesne Light Service Guide

Duquesne Light Company serves as Pittsburgh's primary electricity provider and stands as one of Pennsylvania's oldest utilities, having operated since 1880. The utility currently serves more than 600,000 customers across southwestern Pennsylvania, with primary coverage areas including Allegheny and Beaver counties.

Following Pennsylvania's electricity deregulation in 1996, Pittsburgh residents gained the ability to choose their electricity supplier while Duquesne Light continues to deliver power through its infrastructure. Unlike Ohio cities that have implemented municipal aggregation programs, Pittsburgh does not offer automatic enrollment in competitive electricity plans, requiring residents to shop individually for alternative rates.

Pittsburgh customers can compare electricity rates through PA Power Switch, the official state comparison marketplace operated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, which provides transparent access to licensed competitive suppliers.

The Duquesne Light residential Price to Compare currently stands at 13.75¢/kWh effective December 1, 2025, representing a 10.6% increase from the previous rate of 12.43¢/kWh. Earlier in 2025, Pittsburgh residents experienced an approximate 15% rate jump to 9.7¢/kWh in June.

These rate increases stem from several interconnected factors affecting the regional electricity market. Surging capacity costs in the PJM Interconnection grid have placed significant upward pressure on wholesale electricity prices, while growing grid demand continues to strain existing infrastructure. On top of that, infrastructure investment to maintain and modernize the distribution system contributes to the overall cost structure.

For the average Pittsburgh household consuming 1,000 kWh per month, the December increase translates to approximately $10 in additional monthly electricity costs compared to previous rates.

Pittsburgh residents can shop at PA Power Switch (papowerswitch.com), the official PUC marketplace for Duquesne Light customers.

Right now, competitive supplier rates start as low as 8.99¢/kWh - that's nearly 5¢/kWh less than the 13.75¢ Price to Compare. When you're comparing offers, look at the rate per kilowatt-hour, contract length, whether it's fixed or variable, and any early termination fees.

Pennsylvania law caps early termination fees at $50 max. Be careful with variable rate plans though - those rates can jump when market conditions change. Most Pittsburgh customers get the best results with fixed-rate contracts that lock in their rate for the whole term.

Delivery charges remain constant regardless of your electricity supplier.

These charges cover Duquesne Light infrastructure investment, maintenance and operation, and the local distribution network.

Your delivery charges include the customer charge (fixed monthly fee), distribution charges per kWh, transmission charges for the regional grid, and riders for efficiency and renewable programs.

Total delivery: Typically adds 4-5¢/kWh beyond supply. Regulated by PA PUC—cannot be avoided by switching suppliers.

Unlike Ohio cities, Pittsburgh has no municipal aggregation program.

Why not? PA PUC approval is required for opt-out programs, and the commission approves only in "unique circumstances." Pittsburgh faces additional regulatory hurdles compared to smaller boroughs.

What this means for you: You must shop individually through PA Power Switch or remain on Duquesne Light default service. There's no automatic enrollment in competitive or green plans.

Advocacy groups continue pushing for expanded community choice aggregation in Pennsylvania.

Shop for green energy plans individually through PA Power Switch.

You'll find 100% renewable plans backed by RECs, with rates slightly higher than standard but often beating Duquesne Light default. PA Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards already require a certain renewable percentage.

For maximum environmental impact, look for Pennsylvania-sourced renewable energy and avoid out-of-state certificates when possible. The Pittsburgh region has growing solar and wind development.

Community solar programs allow Pittsburgh residents without suitable rooftops to subscribe to local solar gardens for bill credits.

Supply savings: Shop PA Power Switch for rates below the 13.75¢ Price to Compare. Rates as low as 8.99¢/kWh translate to roughly $50/month savings. Lock in fixed-rate contracts to avoid future increases.

Efficiency savings: Duquesne Light Watt Choices offers rebates for appliances and weatherization. Smart thermostats and efficient appliances help too. Budget billing spreads annual costs evenly, and usage alerts help you monitor consumption.

Assistance programs: LIHEAP provides heating assistance. CAP (Customer Assistance Program) offers discounted rates for qualifying households.

Duquesne Light handles all outages regardless of your supplier.

Report outages: Call 412-393-7000, use the Duquesne Light mobile app, or check the outage map at duquesnelight.com.

Common Pittsburgh outage causes: Severe thunderstorms top the list, followed by winter ice storms, high winds, and landslides (that hilly terrain).

Grid modernization investments: Duquesne Light is adding smart meters, automated switching equipment, and vegetation management to improve reliability.

Emergency: For downed power lines, call immediately and maintain safe distance. Sign up for outage alerts.

Duquesne Light bills separate supply and delivery:

Supply charges cover electricity generation. The Price to Compare is 13.75¢/kWh, or whatever your supplier charges. This is the part you can change by switching.

Delivery charges (fixed) include the customer charge, distribution charges, transmission charges, and various riders and surcharges.

Total Pittsburgh electricity: Typically 18-20¢/kWh including all charges. If using a competitive supplier, charges appear on your Duquesne Light bill unless you selected separate billing.

Duquesne Light contacts: Customer service at 412-393-7100, outages at 412-393-7000, online at duquesnelight.com.

Shopping and complaints: PA Power Switch at papowerswitch.com. PA PUC Bureau of Consumer Services at 1-800-692-7380.

Rebates and assistance: Watt Choices at duquesnelight.com/watt-choices. LIHEAP at 1-866-857-7095. CAP for income-qualified customers at 412-393-7100. Dollar Energy Fund at 1-888-282-2310.