Planning the Future of AI and Energy in Western Pennsylvania
Duquesne Light Company engages with tech and energy leaders at landmark summit
Duquesne Light Company (DLC) is proud to be one of western Pennsylvania’s leading energy service providers. We’ve been a pioneer and guiding force investing in the growth of the region for more than 100 years. That investment includes approximately $2.7 billion over the next five years to upgrade the safety, reliability and resilience of our electrical service and grid infrastructure.
With the inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit taking place right in our backyard, we’re proud to be able to represent our business and customer interests as part of our regular cadence of engaging with political leaders in our state.
This event, convened by U.S. Sen. David McCormick with invitations to bipartisan leadership including Gov. Josh Shapiro and President Donald Trump, will bring together business, academic and government experts for a day of conversations focused on investments in technology, energy policy and national strategy. We continue to evaluate our capital portfolio for additional investments to address these challenges, including such opportunities as helping to facilitate new generation builds through long-term contracts and accelerated investments to upgrade low-voltage power lines.
Members of our leadership team, including President and CEO Kevin Walker and Vice President of Energy Policy David Fisfis, are attending the summit to share DLC’s strong commitment to our role as an energy leader in the region and an advocate for safe, reliable and affordable electric service for our customers.
Among those highlights:
- DLC’s total economic impact in Pennsylvania for 2024 was $848 million, including regional impacts resulting from state and local taxes, supply purchasing, charitable grants to the community, wages and customer financial assistance. This impact was validated by a third party and represents a point-in-time snapshot of our total impact in the region, which we anticipate will continue to grow given our current business plan.
- That economic impact extends beyond Pennsylvania, including through nationwide supplier spending, and the enablement of a strong economy through the reliable delivery of electricity. For example, through $408 million that we spend with suppliers across the country, DLC supported nearly 1,800 jobs and generated an economic impact of $775 million.
- The $250 million Watson substation that will enhance the reliability and resiliency of electrical service to downtown Pittsburgh is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Investment in 2025 totals $45 million, and $205 million was invested in 2024 and prior.
- About $177 million in upgrades to high-power transmission lines serving several western suburbs and the city of Pittsburgh will be completed by the end of 2027.
- Investments from 2025-27 total $84 million, and $93 million was invested in 2024 and prior.
- Investments of $164 million between 2025-29 to upgrade low-voltage power lines, creating more energy capacity and a safer, more reliable and more resilient grid.
DLC applauds political and business leaders for convening this summit in our region and appreciates the opportunity to share our vision of a clean energy future for all by boldly harnessing opportunities for today and tomorrow. Strategic collaboration with elected officials and private business partners, along with the efforts of our dedicated employees and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, is critical to our success. We embrace our role as a community and industry leader in solving challenges related to AI development, resource adequacy and affordable energy and look forward to continuing the important conversations inspired by this forum.