Duquesne Light Company Reminding Customers to Prepare Ahead of Extreme Heat
High temperatures can add additional stress on the grid, potentially resulting in outages
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh region will experience a severe heat wave beginning Sunday, June 16, through at least Thursday, June 20. Temperatures are expected to rise into the high 90s and will break 100 in some areas. With this forecast, Duquesne Light Company (DLC) is advising customers to be prepared for potential power outages. Even without severe storms, power loss can occur during periods of high temperatures due to additional stress on the system and equipment.
DLC has increased staffing to ensure that any outages are responded to safely and as quickly as possible.
In the event of an outage, customers can follow these steps to stay safe and cool:
- 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.
- 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. Starting Monday, June 17, the city of Pittsburgh will activate cooling centers throughout the area. Reach out to your local municipality for up-to-date information on these centers.
Customers should always call 9-1-1 for any emergency medical issues that could be impacted by an outage. Because of the intense heat that is forecasted, DLC also advises checking on elderly family members, friends and neighbors who live alone.
Reporting Outages
Any customers who experience an outage can report it on DuquesneLight.com or through our free mobile app. Those without internet access can report an outage by calling 888-393-7100.
Restoration Process
When outages are widespread throughout the area, DLC prioritizes restoration in this order:
- Public safety hazards
- Public health and safety facilities
- Major circuits
- Small neighborhoods and individual homes
Learn more about DLC's restoration process.
Saving on Electric Bills
There is typically 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 offers more predictability by spreading out payments throughout the year. Additional resources can be found on DLC’s online Help Center.