Save Energy, Earn Rewards
Enroll today in the Peak Saver or Smart Charging reward programs
Duquesne Light Company (DLC) is encouraging customers to earn extra cash while helping to keep the electric grid reliable during the hottest days of the upcoming summer. After a successful launch in 2025, enrollment is back open for DLC’s Peak Saver and Smart Charging reward programs.
Last summer, customers received nearly $30,000 in combined gift card rewards. By temporarily shifting energy use, they also helped save a total of 19 megawatt-hours, or the equivalent of powering about 100 homes for an entire week.
“These programs proved that small, voluntary actions can create meaningful benefits for the grid while also supporting smarter energy habits,” said Sarah Olexsak, DLC’s general manager of electrification solutions. “We’re anticipating an even bigger impact this year.”
Customers can enroll risk free in one program at a time, with no special equipment required for participation.
Earn at Home With Peak Saver
With Peak Saver, residential customers earn gift cards of their choice by voluntarily conserving electricity during peak saver events. These events are triggered by a spike in demand across DLC’s service territory, which happens more frequently in the summer.
Last year, top earners received $75 in rewards, with an average of $25 for most customers.
“I like the ability to save money, and it reminded me of how much electricity I use that I don’t necessarily need to,” said Lisa H., a DLC customer and Peak Saver participant.
Here’s how it works:
- Receive alerts: From June 1 through Sept. 30, DLC sends text or email alerts up to 24 hours before a peak saver event. Events only occur on weekdays, typically between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., for about two to three hours.
- Conserve electricity: Whether it’s adjusting the thermostat or shifting use of high-energy appliances to other times of the day — the savings can really stack up.
- Earn rewards: Customers earn $1 in gift card rewards for every kilowatt-hour saved compared to normal energy usage.
Pause to Save With Smart Charging Rewards
Customers who drive an EV or plug-in hybrid EV may qualify for DLC’s Smart Charging program, which automatically pauses charging to conserve energy. Enrollment is required, and spots are limited due to popular demand.
The process is simple:
- Receive alerts: From June 1 through Sept. 30, DLC sends text or email alerts up to 24 hours before a smart charging event. Events only occur on weekdays, typically between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., for about two to three hours.
- Charging paused: EV charging automatically pauses with the option to override if necessary.
- Earn rewards: Earn $20 per month in gift card rewards for participating in at least half of the smart charging events.
In total, EV customers can earn up to $80 per year.
More Ways to Save All Year
DLC’s reward programs are seasonal, but some customers can save all year through time-of-use supply rates or a time-of-use distribution rate, which is just for EV drivers. These rates help customers save if they're able to consistently shift energy usage to off-peak times.
Learn more about all of DLC’s energy-saving programs such as free home energy audits and appliance recycling rebates.