Duquesne Light Company Preparing for Potential Severe Weather Tomorrow Afternoon
Severe weather mixed with extreme heat can result in equipment damage; take steps to be prepared and stay safe
PITTSBURGH — As the ongoing extreme heat continues to impact southwestern Pennsylvania, Duquesne Light Company (DLC) is preparing for potential severe weather expected to impact the region on Wednesday, June 25, beginning late in the afternoon and lasting into the evening. The National Weather Service is predicting increasing chances of severe thunderstorms with potential for isolated 60-70 mph wind gusts.
Strong winds combined with extreme heat can have an impact on the grid and damage electrical equipment, potentially resulting in service disruptions. DLC is increasing staffing in order to safely respond to any outages as quickly as possible. Because of potentially hazardous conditions, some response times may be delayed during the weather event.
DLC proactively analyzes how extreme temperatures, such as those currently affecting the Pittsburgh region, will affect infrastructure, ensuring that the electric grid can deliver power to customers and remain resilient to challenges like equipment issues. While unanticipated events can occur, DLC aims to minimize customer interruptions, prevent widespread outages and restore service to affected customers as quickly as possible.
Reminders for the Public
The company is encouraging the public to take simple steps to stay safe and be prepared, including:
- Ensure that cell phones and other necessary electronics are fully charged.
- Drink plenty of water and have ice handy to use for cooling packs.
- Keep supplies in an emergency preparedness kit, including water bottles, non-perishable food, first-aid supplies, flashlights and a battery-powered radio.
- Sign up for outage notifications through your DLC account to stay informed.
In the event of an outage:
- Call 9-1-1 for any emergency medical issues.
- Report it on DLC’s free mobile app or on DuquesneLight.com. Those without internet access can call 888-393-7100.
- Avoid any downed power lines, give ample space to lineworkers and stay away from objects or puddles that are in contact with downed power lines.
- Report downed wires or other hazardous situations to DLC’s emergency number at 888-393-7000.
- Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns for emergency lighting. Avoid using candles or other potential fire hazards.
- Avoid opening refrigerator and freezer doors. Food will stay frozen in a fully loaded freezer for 36-48 hours if the door remains closed.
- Seek a location with air conditioning when possible. CitiParks has opened six cooling centers through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. DLC’s outage map also holds information to open cooling centers around Allegheny and Beaver counties.
Learn more about safety tips and how DLC responds to weather-related outages.
DLC’s Restoration Process
When the extent of weather damage is widespread throughout the area, company personnel have to prioritize restoration in this order:
- Public safety hazards
- Public health and safety facilities (critical customers)
- Major circuits
- Small neighborhoods/individual homes.
For more information on DLC's restoration priorities, please visit our website.
In the event of an outage, customers should check DLC’s outage map for up-to-date outage information. Customers can also follow DLC on X (@DuquesneLight) and Facebook (@DuquesneLight) for additional updates.
Saving on Electric Bills
Typically, there is an increase in electric usage during the summer because of increased demand, which can result in higher energy bills. There are various ways customers can reduce their usage and save money:
- Set the thermostat to 78°F, especially during peak hours between 2-6 p.m.
- Use ceiling fans where possible.
- Unplug electric items, including appliances, when not in use.
- Use energy-efficient lighting (LEDs use less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs).
- Close doors to rooms that are not being used.
- Track electric usage via DLC’s website and app.
Customers can also consider enrolling in budget billing and/or payment arrangements, which offer more predictability by spreading out payments throughout the year. Additional resources can be found on DLC’s website.