Partners in Resilience: DLC’s First Emergency Preparedness Forum
A message from Kristy Stone, chief customer officer
On March 31, 2026, DLC had the privilege of hosting our first virtual emergency preparedness forum, where we shared information and resources to help customers and community partners be prepared before, during and after a power outage.
While our team had planned the event for months, it quickly took on a renewed urgency. The Pittsburgh region has now faced two significant storms in less than a year — last April’s derecho and a near-record windstorm on March 13 — both of which resulted in widespread outages that tested our customers and crews.
These aren’t isolated events. In fact, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has identified storms, as well as vegetation like falling trees and branches, as the leading driver of outages across the state. This reinforces what many of our customers already feel: Severe weather is becoming a more normal part of life in our region.
At DLC, we take our responsibility to prepare and respond seriously. We are investing $2.7 billion in our infrastructure through 2030, and last year unveiled our new Watson substation in Pittsburgh’s Bluff neighborhood to strengthen the resilience of the downtown network.
We also plan extensively ahead of storms, and when they’re over, we work continuously to evaluate and improve our restoration and response ahead of the next big event. We have more work to do, but when customers, businesses and local organizations also take steps to prepare, it supports an even safer and more effective recovery for everyone.
That’s what last week’s forum was all about: community response. During the webinar, we discussed various topics ranging from how to build an emergency preparedness kit to what community resources are available during a storm or other emergency situation. Our experts were sure to highlight a number of tools and resources that can be used right now, including:
- DLC’s newly launched Outage Support web page: Offers guidance on what to do before, during and after an outage.
- My Alerts: Enables customers to choose how to receive updates during an outage. Sign up through your DLC account.
- DLC’s mobile app: Can be downloaded on Apple and Android devices.
- DLC’s outage map: Provides real-time updates on outages.
- "Be Red Cross Ready": Includes more information about emergency planning.
In case you missed it, a recording of the webinar is now available.
We’re committed to continuing these important conversations, and we appreciate everyone who has taken the time to stay informed, prepared and safe. Your actions help protect not just you and your family, but everyone in our communities.