Duquesne Light Company Aids Customers Through $150,000 Investment With Local Nonprofit Partners
Emergency grants given to Dollar Energy Fund and Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank will help alleviate utility hardships and food insecurity
PITTSBURGH — Amid ongoing economic uncertainty that is expected to persist beyond the federal government shutdown, Duquesne Light Company (DLC) today announced two emergency customer assistance and community investment grants totaling $150,000. Funds will directly support Dollar Energy Fund (DEF) and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank (GPCFB) in aiding vulnerable utility customers and combating food insecurity in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Key Components of the Investment
- $100,000 to DEF: Directed toward DEF’s hardship fund, this investment provides critical utility assistance for eligible customers, especially as federal funding for programs like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) remains delayed.
- $50,000 to GPCFB: Helps smaller, regional food pantries meet increased demand and offset rising operational costs.
- $50,000 in matched employee donations: Employee contributions to four nonprofits — DEF, GPCFB, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania and United Way of Beaver County — will be matched dollar for dollar up to $50,000 in December.
“In recent weeks, our region has seen a heartbreaking surge in the number of people who are facing real and urgent hardships in providing the most basic needs for their families. Even as some resources are expected to become available once again, the community will feel the effects of this challenging period for weeks and months to come,” said Kevin Walker, president and CEO of DLC. “In response to these challenges, we’ve seen incredible acts of kindness as Western Pennsylvanians rally together through donations, volunteerism and general goodwill. Joining in those efforts, DLC’s emergency grants to Dollar Energy Fund and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank underscore our commitment to supporting the community through collaborative partnerships and proactive engagement. We have always believed in stepping up when it matters most, and we’re grateful to have that opportunity once again."
While federal budget negotiations show progress, charitable food networks remain strained due to delayed funding for essential programs such as LIHEAP and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Since Oct. 1, DLC has seen a notable rise in DEF applications, reflecting a growing demand for assistance.
Employee Volunteerism
In addition to financial contributions, DLC employees are actively volunteering at food insecurity and holiday giving events through year-end. Activities include turkey distributions with GPCFB, meal-packing events with United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania and holiday gift drives benefiting local families.
Ongoing Customer Support
DLC continues to implement proactive measures to assist customers during the shutdown and beyond, including:
- Protecting LIHEAP preseason applicants from service termination.
- Accepting verbal income verification for enrollment into the Customer Assistance Program (CAP).
- Modifying payment requirements for DEF applicants.
- Offering special payment arrangements for furloughed workers.
- Conducting outreach to promote available assistance programs.
DLC also understands that many customers need financial support going into the holiday season. More information on CAP, payment arrangements, grants and other resources can be found on the company’s website.
Customers that are not eligible for income-based assistance programs can still save money by reducing their energy use. Simple changes like adjusting thermostats or participating in a free energy audit can help improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. DLC also offers a wide variety of rebates on items such as energy-efficient appliances, water heaters, smart thermostats, heating and cooling pumps, weatherization items and appliance recycling.