Get Rewarded for Smart Energy Use
Duquesne Light Company pilots new reward programs and expands time-of-use rate options
As temperatures rise, Duquesne Light Company (DLC) is making it easier to save energy and money. The Peak Saver and Smart Charging Rewards programs encourage customers to temporarily conserve electricity when demand is higher than normal, such as hot summer afternoons. By helping DLC reduce strain on the electric grid and optimize energy consumption, customers can earn $1 in gift card rewards per kilowatt-hour saved under the Peak Saver Rewards Program, or electric vehicle (EV) drivers can earn up to $80 per year in gift card rewards under the Smart Charging Rewards Program.
“The Peak Saver and Smart Charging Rewards programs are two of the innovative pilot programs we’re offering to our customers to explore how we can most effectively manage growing energy demand while continuing to deliver reliable, resilient and affordable service when our customers need it most,” said Vice President of Corporate Strategy Brian Guzek.
The new rewards programs officially launched on July 11. Enrollment is required, and customers may participate in one program at a time. DLC also expanded its time-of-use rates in June, offering the potential for year-round savings.
Enroll Today in Peak Saver Rewards
DLC’s Peak Saver Rewards Program is open to the first eligible 7,500 residential customers who register. Participants earn rewards for voluntarily conserving electricity during peak saver events throughout the summer. No technology or device is required to participate, and how you save is up to you — whether it’s temporarily adjusting your thermostat or shifting use of high-energy appliances like pool pumps and dishwashers to other times of day.
Here's how it works:
- Register and receive alerts: From July through September, participants will receive text or email alerts up to 24 hours ahead of a peak saver event. This information will help you plan ahead for energy savings.
- Conserve your electricity: Peak saver events will occur up to five times per summer on weekdays, typically between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. for a duration of two to three hours. Customers are encouraged to decrease electricity use during the specified time frame.
- Earn rewards: During that period, earn $1 in gift card rewards for every kilowatt-hour you reduce compared to your typical energy use.
Peak saver events, when customers are asked to conserve electricity, are triggered by a spike in demand across DLC’s service territory, which happens more frequently in the summer. Learn more about the Peak Saver Rewards Program and register here.
Smart Charging Rewards Program Open for Eligible EV Drivers
If you drive an EV or plug-in hybrid EV, you may instead qualify for the Smart Charging Rewards Program. Registration is required and is limited to the first 550 residential customers who have an eligible EV or charging station.
What you need to know:
- Register and receive alerts: Through September, participants will receive text or email alerts up to 24 hours ahead of a smart charging event.
- Charging paused: Smart charging events will occur up to 15 times per summer, during which if you are at home, your EV charging will automatically pause during the specified time frame. Events typically occur on weekdays between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. for a duration of two to three hours.
- Earn rewards: Earn $20 per month in gift card rewards for participating in at least half of the monthly smart charging events from June to September. In total, you can earn up to $80 per year.
“Rewards programs like these can help make customers part of the solution by reducing their electricity use when grid demand is at its highest,” said Electrification Solutions General Manager Sarah Olexsak. “It also helps reduce costs for everyone in the Pittsburgh region because a more efficient grid is a more affordable grid.”
The Smart Charging and Peak Saver rewards programs will continue through 2027, with enrollment open on a first come, first served basis.
Time-of-Use Rates Offer Year-Round Savings Opportunities
DLC’s reward programs are seasonal, but some customers could save every day through time-of-use rates. These programs might be a good option if you can consistently shift energy use at your home or business or pause EV charging during peak hours on weekdays.
DLC now offers two time-of-use rates:
- Time-of-use supply rate: Qualifying residential as well as small to medium commercial customers receive a lower supply rate on their bill for any electricity use shifted to off-peak or super-off-peak times when compared to DLC’s standard default service supply rate. For example, you’ll pay a lower rate every day from 9 p.m. to 3 p.m. and all day on weekends and holidays. It’s also important to consider that electricity consumption during peak hours from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. will be charged at a higher rate than the standard default service supply rate. Learn more about the time-of-use supply rate and how it could impact your bill.
- EV time-of-use distribution rate: EV drivers may also save money throughout the year with time-of-use distribution rates by shifting charging and other home electricity use to off-peak times. Lower rates include weekdays from 9 p.m. to 3 p.m. and all day on weekends. Learn more and see if you qualify for potential savings.
Whether you enroll in a DLC rewards program, use a time-of-use rate or simply want to reduce your energy bill, start with a free online energy audit to learn where your energy dollars are going and how you can save money. Customers can also check if they qualify for rebates or other DLC energy-saving programs.