Duquesne Light Reminds Customers about Energy Assistance Programs Ahead of Winter Months
Applications for Energy Assistance Programs Open November 1
October 24, 2019
PITTSBURGH – With the winter season coming soon, Duquesne Light is committed to assisting low-income households with their electric bills through a variety of assistance programs that help to ensure they stay connected to a safe, reliable source of electricity throughout the colder months.
“Through energy assistance programs, Duquesne Light helps keep our customers warm and safe in their homes as temperatures drop,” said Michael Selep, Universal Services Manager at Duquesne Light. “We work with our customers who reach out for assistance with their electric bill to find a program that best meets their needs.”
In addition, Duquesne Light completes a Cold Weather Survey each year to assist customers whose service is off. These customers are given information about options that may be available to help restore their electric service and assist them after they are reconnected.
Programs available to Duquesne Light customers include:
- Customer Assistance Program (CAP) provides a reduced monthly payment and arrearage forgiveness, based on the customer’s ability to pay. The program is available to all households based on income eligibility, determined by the Federal Poverty Guidelines. CAP is available year-round. Visit DuquesneLight.com/CAP or call Duquesne Light at 1-888-393-7600 for more information.
- Smart Comfort helps customers lower their bills by providing free information and services to reduce electric usage. This program is available year-round. Call Duquesne Light at 1-888-393-7600 for more information.
- Customer Assistance & Referral Evaluation Service (CARES) helps eligible customers obtain support and assistance from appropriate social service agencies. This program is available year-round. Call Duquesne Light at 1-888-393-7600 for more information.
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federally funded program, offers:
- A cash grant provides assistance between $200 and $1,000 per heating season to help with past due and future utility bills.
- Crisis grant provides up to an additional $600 to help in a heating emergency.
LIHEAP is available November 1, 2019 through April 10, 2020. Call the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095 for more information or visit Compass.State.PA.US to apply online
- Dollar Energy Fund offers a grant of up to $500 to households that meet income eligibility and required payment history. Duquesne Light was a founding partner in this hardship fund. The company matches customers’ contributions, up to $375,000 annually, to reduce arrearages and restore services. This program is available until funds are depleted. Call Duquesne Light at 1-888-393-7600 for more information. Visit dollarenergy.org to locate a screening agency near you.
- Home Weatherization Program offers energy-saving improvements (such as caulking and weather-stripping) to low- and fixed-income households, regardless of whether you own your home or rent. This program is available year-round. Call the City of Pittsburgh’s Action Housing at 412-281-2102 (ext. 2101) for more information.
Duquesne Light customer service representatives are trained to refer customers who are having problems paying their bill to available energy assistance programs. As a whole, these programs provide Duquesne Light customers with a variety of options to assist them through the winter months. For more information on these energy assistance programs, customers should call 1-888-393-7600 or visit DuquesneLight.com/CAP.