CUSTOMER GUIDE
www.duquesnelight.com
Dear Duquesne Light Customer:
For more than 135 years, Duquesne Light has been
in the forefront of the electric energy market, with a history
rooted in superior customer service. Today, the company
continues in its role as a leader in the transmission and
distribution of electric energy, providing a secure supply
of reliable power to more than a half million customers in
southwestern Pennsylvania.
To help you take advantage of our various services,
we’ve created this Customer Guide to answer some of
the most common questions asked by our customers.
7 CONTENTS
In Case of Emergency................................................................ 1
Customer Service Information ................................................. 4
Billing & Payment Options......................................................... 6
Billing Information ....................................................................... 8
Your Electric Bill ...................................................................... 10
Watt Choices Program.............................................................14
Energy Assistance......................................................................18
Electric Choice Program ....................................................... 20
Electric Lines and Trees ........................................................ 21
What’s Yours? What’s Ours? .............................................. 22
Electric Safety .......................................................................... 24
“Power of Light”........................................................................ 26
POWER OUTAGES
1-888-393-7000
Emergency and Power Outage Hotline
At Duquesne Light, we work very hard to provide you with
continuous electric service. However, on occasion, storms,
maintenance or other causes can temporarily interrupt
your power.
I N C AS E O F EME R G E N C Y
In Case of Emergency —
When you call us at 1-888-393-7000 to report an outage,
please follow the teleprompts in ElectriCall, our automated
call-handling system. You can report your outage at any
time of the day or night and not have to wait to speak to a
customer service representative.
With ElectriCall, information from your call is relayed directly
to the Duquesne Light Operations Center, which starts the
chain of response for all service interruptions. ElectriCall also
can be used to get outage information in your area, including
whether the outage already has been reported and estimates
on how quickly your power will be restored.
If you need immediate help due to hazardous conditions,
such as downed wires, electrical fires, direct lightning strikes
or accidents involving utility poles or power lines, just follow
the teleprompts and we will connect you to a customer
service representative to report your emergency.
7
TIME-SAVING TIP: You also can report outages online
via your laptop*, smart phone, iPad* or a personal computer at
work. Go to the “Outages & Safety” dropdown menu on the
“For Your Home” section of www.DuquesneLight.com to report
an outage or to stay informed on the progress of restoration efforts.
Service restoration efforts also can be followed on Twitter (at
@DuquesneLight) or by texting DUQLIGHT to 94253 and
becoming part of the Duquesne Light Mobile Network.
* Your device must have mobile wireless access to contact us since your
home modem and router won’t provide access when power is out unless
you have battery backup.
1
I N C AS E O F EME R G E N C Y
A wide range of power outage tips can be found in
the Outages & Safety section of our website:
www.DuquesneLight.com. During major storms, the
Power Restoration Update Center is activated, providing
the latest information on the home page of our website.
Priorities for Power Restoration
During a storm, the company follows industry-standard
restoration priorities. We give incidents involving downed
wires the highest priority because of their potential danger
to the public. Emphasis then is placed on essential facilities,
such as hospitals, nursing homes, police and fire stations,
followed by major electric circuits that will restore power to
the greatest number of customers as quickly as possible.
Next, we focus on repairs in smaller neighborhoods and
groups of customers served by a single transformer and,
finally, individual homes or businesses whose service drops
have been damaged.
It’s important to remember that some customers may have
power restored while their neighbors remain without service.
That’s because different circuits may service different parts of
the same neighborhood – even houses on the same street.
But rest assured, we will make every effort to restore your
service as quickly as possible.
7
PLEASE NOTE: Until your power comes back on, turn off all
major appliances and unplug your sensitive electronic equipment.
This reduces the chance of damage caused by electrical surges
when the power is restored.
2
I N C AS E O F EME R G E N C Y
Note to Special-Needs Customers
If anyone in your household relies on medical equipment
– respirators, ventilators, oxygen concentrators, suction
machines, medication compressors, or other life-sustaining
equipment – be sure to have a backup plan for power
outages. Portable generators, battery backups, or reserve
oxygen tanks are a good idea, as is determining places where
you can go during extended power outages. A qualified
electrician should always be consulted any time you’re using
temporary electrical sources, such as portable generators.
3
C US T OM ER S ERVI C E I NFO R MATION
CUSTOMER SERVICE
www.DuquesneLight.com
1-888-393-7100
The Duquesne Light customer service number is for people
who have questions about their bills, need to have their electric
service turned on or off, or have any service-related questions
or needs.
Visit our website anytime for answers to many of your
questions: www.DuquesneLight.com.
4
Business Hours:
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
C US T OM ER S ERVI C E I NFO R MATION
To speak to a customer service representative,
please follow the teleprompt instructions. Make sure we have
on file the telephone number that you’re most likely to use to
contact us: home, cell phone or work number — and you’ll
save time and effort because Duquesne Light will be able to
automatically access your account information when you call.
ElectriCall — Self-Service
Telephone System
ElectriCall — our self-service telephone system — provides
you with around-the-clock access to a variety of information,
including your account balance, how to transfer services when
you move, payment agreements and our Watt Choices program,
just to name a few. To access your account (and to ensure
security for your personal information), use your phone pad
to enter your account number, telephone number or Social
Security number.
7 TIME-SAVING TIP: Consider this easy alternative to calling
and talking to a customer service representative. Our website,
www.DuquesneLight.com, enables you to access a wide range of
services whenever you want, any time of the day or night. You can
stop/start service, view an account statement, schedule a bill payment, report an outage or view a summary of your electric usage
over the past 45 days. Each can be done with a few quick clicks.
5
B I LLI N G & PAYM EN T O P TIO N S
BILLING & PAYMENT
Options
1. e-Bill
Our FREE service that gives you the power to view your
bills online. Once enrolled, you no longer will receive a paper
bill. Instead, you will receive an e-mail with the amount owed
and due date, as well as a link to view your entire e-Bill.
To make recordkeeping a snap, six months of your bills
also will be available if you ever need to refer back to them.
Less clutter, more security, and accessible from anywhere!
Visit www.DuquesneLight.com to sign up!
2. A
utomatic Payment Plan
(ElectriCheck)
After a simple enrollment process, your monthly payment
is automatically deducted from your specified checking or
savings account on the bill due date. It’s that easy! You can
use this FREE service if you receive paper bills or an e-Bill.
More than 90,000 customers already are taking advantage
of the ElectriCheck option.
7
PAY IT GREEN!* More than 50 percent of all payments
Duquesne Light receives are done electronically. You can go
paperless by using one or both of our free “green” services
to view and pay your bill. No cost. No stamps. Less time.
Visit w
­ ww.DuquesneLight.com for details.
6
* Check out how you can help the environment by viewing and paying
your bill online by visiting www.payitgreen.org.
Now, with a few clicks of the mouse, you can schedule a one-time
payment to be deducted from your checking or savings account on
the date you choose. Payments can be scheduled as little as two
business days in advance (except for the first payment, while we
verify your registration information).
4. Pay My Bill Now!
You can pay your bill with a credit card, debit card or an electronic
check any time of the day with this service offered to you by
Western Union. You also can pay your bill with cash at Western
Union agent locations. Third-party service fees apply to any
payments made through Western Union. If the timing of your
payment is critical, contact Duquesne Light at 412-393-7200
to speak with a Customer Service Representative who can
assist you with your payment options.
B I LLI N G & PAYM EN T O P TIO N S
3. S chedule a Free Online Payment
5. A dditional Online Payment Options
Duquesne Light also is happy to accept customer payments initiated
electronically through web banking, financial software and many
other online bill payment services.
6. By Mail
Send your payment to: Duquesne Light Payment Processing Center,
Pittsburgh, PA 15267-0001. Remember to always include your
Duquesne Light account number on your check or money order.
Facts About Energy Theft
Energy theft costs utilities and their customers billions of
dollars nationwide each year. It’s the honest paying customers
who end up paying the bulk of these costs in the form of higher
rates. Just as shoplifting creates higher prices on the products
we buy, the same holds true for the utilities we depend on daily.
With customers’ help, Duquesne Light can prevent energy
theft from affecting safety and utility costs. Call the Duquesne
Light Energy Diversion Department at 412-393-1775, e-mail
us at [email protected], or use the “Contact Us” section
of the “Inside Duquesne Light” landing page on our website,
www.DuquesneLight.com, to report suspected energy theft. All
information is confidential and may be submitted anonymously.
7
B I LLI N G I N FO R MATION
BILLING
INFORMATION
Budget Billing
Joining Duquesne Light’s Budget Billing Program is the best
way to level out your monthly electric payments throughout
the year. Duquesne Light offers customers the option to pay
a budget amount each month. The budget is a rolling average
of the customer’s usage, and it is recalculated quarterly.
How It Works
To join the budget billing program, contact our customer
service department at 412-393-7100 between 8 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday. Once you’ve enrolled in budget
billing, your budget amount will be reflected in the “Budget
Amount Due” heading located at the bottom right corner of
the first page of your bill.
Duquesne Light will review your budget amount periodically
for adjustments. This review may result in changes to your
“Budget Amount Due” every four months to help ensure that
your bill reflects your energy use.
It is a requirement to pay the “Budget Amount Due” each
month. As noted on your Duquesne Light bill, you will receive
a late payment charge of 1.25 percent if you don’t pay the
“Budget Amount Due” by the date listed on your bill.
If you decide you no longer want to be a budget billing
customer, you can cancel your participation by contacting a
customer service representative at 412-393-7100, between
8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
8
To ensure that your monthly statement is accurate, we’ve
virtually eliminated the estimated bill. In fact, 99.5 percent of
the more than 6.4 million bills that we send out to residential
customers each year are based on actual meter readings.
Duquesne Light uses an automated meter reading (AMR)
system that relies on wireless radio transmitters, enabling us
to collect and process readings remotely, instead of having
to send meter readers to gather the data.
B I LLI N G I N FO R MATION
Delivering Accurate Bills
By using actual meter readings — rather than estimates — to
calculate monthly statements, bills reflect your true electric
usage. That means you don’t have to worry about paying a
higher “catch-up” bill after several lower, estimated bills. The
meter-reading data available through our automated system
also helps us to better respond to your billing questions.
Double Notice Protection
for Overdue Bills
This plan helps prevent any mix-ups if you happen to misplace
or forget an electric bill or disconnect notice. If you’ve signed
up for this plan and are in danger of having your electric service turned off because of nonpayment of a bill, we’ll send a
payment reminder to you and also to any other person you
designate – a friend, neighbor, relative, or even a member of
the clergy. That person is not obligated to pay your electric
bill for you. He or she can provide a friendly reminder to help
make sure that any inconvenience is avoided.
Likewise, you can become a recognized “third party” for
someone else. All you need is his or her written consent.
9
YOUR EL E C TR IC B ILL
YOUR ELECTRIC BILL
Your electric bill can provide you as much – or as little –
detail as you want. On the following pages is a sample of
your Duquesne Light bill. Reference the corresponding letter
descriptions for an explanation of the various parts of the bill.
7 PAGE 1
AContact Information — Duquesne Light’s customer care telephone
number and website address.
BAccount Number — In November 2014, your previous 13-digit account
number was replaced with a new 10-digit number.
CBill ID Number — If you ever need to call us with a question about
your bill, use the bill ID number listed.
DMeter Number — We may request your meter number for account verification.
E Electric Usage Graph — This chart gives you information so you can
compare how much electricity you used each month for the past two years.
F
Days in Billing Period — This table, which shows the number of days in
each of the last 24 billing periods, is helpful when looking at the graph
of your monthly electric use (E).
GType of Meter Reading — Actual, Estimated, Corrected or Final
(99 percent of customer bills are ACTUAL reads).
HDollar Energy Fund — Information on helping people without heat or light.
I
Payment Due Date — Please pay the amount due on or before this date
to avoid late-payment charges.
J
Amount Due — What you owe for this bill.
K Account Changes — Check the box to make account changes or to pledge
to the Dollar Energy Fund. Then complete the back of the coupon on page 2.
7 PAGE 2
L
Understanding Your Bill — Definitions of various items listed on your bill.
MAccount Changes Coupon — See Item K on page 1
7 PAGE 3
NPrice to Compare (PTC) – Tells you how much you pay Duquesne Light
for the supply and transmission charges on your bill if you have not chosen
an electric generation supplier. The PTC helps you compare offers from
electric generation suppliers.
7 PAGE 4
10
OSupplier Agreement ID Number — Use this number when communicating
with electric generation suppliers. You will find all supplier information here
on page 4.
Page 2
L
M
YOUR EL E C TR IC B ILL
Page 3
N
Page 4
O
12
13
AD D I T I ON AL B I LL EX P L A N ATIO N S
Page 1
F
A
B
C
D
E
G
H
I
K
J
W A TT C HO IC E S
Duquesne Light’s WATT CHOICES program helps customers
conserve energy and reduce demand while lowering their electricity
costs as the company, consistent with its longstanding commitment
to the environment, works to meet energy consumption and demand
reductions established in statewide legislation, Act 129.
DUQUESNE LIGHT’S WATT CHOICES PROGRAM
CAN HELP YOU SAVE ENERGY & MONEY
Watt Choices invites residential, commercial and industrial customers
to take advantage of a wide range of energy-efficiency, conservation and
demand-response measures. By participating in these programs, you are not
only learning ways to conserve energy and save money, you are reducing your
overall impact on the environment through reduced power plant emissions.
To the right are brief summaries of the major programs. For full details,
go to www.wattchoices.com or call 1-888-WATTLEY (1-888-928-8539).
14
INSTANT CFL SAVINGS Save 50 percent, on average, on many types of
compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs when shopping at our Watt Choices
retail partners. Discounts on select light-emitting diode (LED) light bulbs also
are available at some locations. See special in-store displays. You will receive
the discounted price at the register.
W A TT C HO IC E S
REBATES Savings on programmable ­­thermostats, appliances, lighting
fixtures, high-efficiency­showerheads and much more.
ONLINE HOME AUDIT This free interactive analysis incorporates your
actual electric usage history to produce an in-depth report detailing ways
you can save energy and money. Where appropriate, the customized audit
summary provides links to our rebate items. Participants also will receive
a complimentary energy efficiency kit.
WHOLE HOUSE ENERGY AUDIT Learn how you can make your home more
comfortable, reduce electricity use, and save money. The audit includes installation of CFL bulbs and smart power strips, as well as energy-savings recommendations. With an instant rebate of $250, the audit price is greatly reduced.
REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER RECYCLING Receive a check for $35, as
well as free disposal of your old refrigerator or freezer. The old units will
be recycled in an environmentally responsible manner.
SCHOOL ENERGY PLEDGE PROGRAM Students discover how to
save energy at school and at home. Participants receive free energy-savings
kits, which include five compact fluorescent light bulbs and a variety of other
useful items.
INCOME-ELIGIBLE PROGRAMS Reaching out, via public-service agencies,
to help all customers gain the benefits of saving energy. For example, those
who meet income-eligible guidelines can receive the benefits of the Watt
Choices Whole House Energy Audit at no cost.
IF YOU DON’T HAVE WEB ACCESS…
Call for more information on the following programs.
­Residential Rebate Program: 1-877-694-2197
Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling Program: 1-877-270-3521
Instant CFL Savings: 1-888-379-8231
ABOUT ACT 129
Signed into law in 2008, Act 129 requires electric distribution companies
to reduce energy consumption and demand in Pennsylvania. Act 129 calls
for program costs to be recovered through a charge on the monthly bill,
which went into effect Dec. 1, 2009. Customers who take full­advantage of
Watt Choices programs will be able to more than offset that monthly charge.
15
W A TT C HO IC E S
Helpful Tips on
SAVING ENERGY
Electricity and other types of energy are a big part of our daily lives.
Through our Watt Choices program, we’re committed to helping
customers make the most out of every dollar they spend on energy.
Complete this home energy audit, by answering yes or no,
to see how well your household manages energy usage.
Every “yes” answer scores one point toward your household
being Energy-Efficient.
Have you replaced incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent
(CFL) or light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs?
(CFLs and LEDs use up to 75 percent less energy than incandescent
bulbs. You’ll save on energy costs, plus replace bulbs less often.)
Do you have dimmers on your lights?
(Dimmers extend bulb life and cut down on energy use.)
Do you turn lights off when you leave a room?
(Turning off lights when you leave a room is an easy way to save
energy and money.)
Do your doors and windows close tightly?
(If you can see light around any outside door or window, heat or air
conditioning is escaping through the cracks.)
Are heating and cooling vents open and clear?
(Blocked vents can stop the flow of warm and cool air, making furnaces
and air conditioners work harder.)
Do you change or clean your furnace filters regularly?
(Clogged, dirty filters slow airflow and make your furnace or air
conditioner work harder.)
Do you turn off computers and TVs when you’re done using them?
(Leaving computers and other appliances on when you’re not using
them wastes energy.)
Do you wait until the dishwasher is completely full before you run it?
(Full loads can reduce how often you need to run the dishwasher.)
Do you use your microwave oven more often than your
conventional oven?
(Microwave ovens cook faster and use less energy than
conventional ovens.)
Do you have ceiling fans?
(Ceiling fans circulate air to make rooms feel warmer in the
winter and cooler in the summer.)
16
Is your thermostat set correctly?
(According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 68º is the recommended setting
if the heat is on. If you have air conditioning, the recommended setting is 78º.)
W A TT C HO IC E S
Is there insulation in your attic?
(Insulation keeps your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
A minimum depth of 8–10 inches of insulation works best to optimize heating
and cooling.)
Is your thermostat mounted near drafts, lighting fixtures or appliances?
(Thermostats can malfunction if they are near heat sources or are positioned
in drafty locations.)
Is your home landscaping energy-wise?
(When planting trees, consider locations that will shade east-facing walls and
windows from 7 to 11 a.m. and west-facing surfaces from 3 to 7 p.m. This will
keep your home cooler by blocking the most intense summer rays of the sun.)
Does your refrigerator close tightly?
(A bad gasket on your refrigerator lets the cold out and drives up energy use.)
Is your oven clean?
(A dirty oven has to work harder to heat up.)
Do the faucets in your kitchen and bathroom shut off correctly?
(Dripping faucets can waste gallons of hot water.)
Is your hot water heater set at 120º?
(According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the recommended setting for
your tank is 120º. If you have a dishwasher, set your hot water heater at 140º.)
Do you take short showers instead of a bath?
(Short showers typically use half the water and energy of a bath.)
Are timers and motion detectors installed on outdoor lights?
(Timers and motion detectors help cut energy costs by turning lights on only
when they are needed.)
How Did You Measure Up?
15–20 10–14 5–9 0–4 Congratulations, you’re an energy whiz.
Keep up the good work, you’re energy-wise.
Good job, and keep up those energy-saving skills.
With a little focus, your energy-saving skills will soar.
A wide range of energy tips can be found on the “Save Energy &
Save Money” dropdown menu on the “For Your Home” landing
page of our website, www.DuquesneLight.com.
17
EN ER GY A SSISTAN C E
DO YOU NEED HELP
PAYING YOUR
ELECTRIC BILL?
Once in a while everyone
can use a helping hand
Duquesne Light has a variety of programs that help low-income
families, seniors and others in need pay their electric bills and
learn how to use energy more efficiently.
For example, our Customer Assistance Program (CAP)
offers monthly bill-payment assistance based on household
income. Smart Comfort helps reduce customers’ electric
bills through energy education and conservation measures.
Our Customer Assistance and Referral Evaluation Service
(CARES) helps customers obtain support and assistance
from appropriate social service agencies. Dollar Energy Fund
is a local nonprofit organization that assists low-income
individuals with their utility bills.
To see if you are eligible, check our website at
www.DuquesneLight.com (go to the “Save Energy & Save
Money” dropdown menu on the “For Your Home” landing page
and click on the “Assistance and Help for Your Energy Needs”
heading), or call 1-888-393-7600.
18
ASSISTANCE
EN ER GY A SSISTAN C E
ENERGY
Duquesne Light’s
Universal Services
Programs help those
in need gain access
to affordable energy.
To see if you are eligible,
check our website at
www.DuquesneLight.com
(go to the “Save Energy
& Save Money” dropdown
menu on the “For Your
Home” landing page and
click on the “Assistance
and Help for Your Energy
Needs” heading), or call
1-888-393-7600.
19
ELEC T RI C C HO I C E P R O G RAM
The Pennsylvania
ELECTRIC CHOICE
PROGRAM
Pennsylvania residents have the option to choose the company
that generates their electricity. Choosing an alternative supplier for
generation service may save you money, but the choice is yours.
Duquesne Light will continue to deliver electricity to you even if
you switch to another generation supplier.
PAPowerSwitch.com is the Public Utility Commission’s website
to help consumers shop for power suppliers. When you click on
“Shop for Electricity” and plug in your ZIP code, the site will give
you a list of suppliers, a comparison of their offers, and much more.
If you don’t have access to the Internet, you can call the PUC at
1-800-692-7380.
The website of the Pennsylvania Office of the Consumer Advocate,
www.oca.state.pa.us, is another good source of information. There
you will find a free online guide that provides “apples to apples”
comparisons for alternative energy suppliers in each utility’s service
area in the state, including Duquesne Light’s. You also can call
1-800-684-6560 for information.
The Price to Compare (PTC), measured in cents per kilowatt-hour,
is used to compare prices and potential savings among generation
suppliers. The PTC, which can be found at the bottom of Page 3
of your Duquesne Light bill, tells you how much you are paying for
your supply and transmission charges.
20
PLANTING THE
RIGHT TREE IN
THE RIGHT PLACE
Are you thinking about planting a tree? Before you do, follow
these tips from Duquesne Light’s Vegetation Management
professionals:
•Selecting the right tree type for the site is the key to a
successful planting. Trees grow to different mature heights
and widths. Find out how high and wide your tree should
grow, and size up the area where you plan to plant it.
•Look up, side-to-side, and down, noting all obstructions
that may hinder the growth of your selected tree. Be
especially aware of any overhead power lines. Eventually,
trees growing too close to electric wires either will have
to be pruned or removed.
•Make sure that there are no underground utilities located
in the area before you start digging. Contact PA One
Call, by dialing 8-1-1, at least three working days before
beginning any digging or excavation project — even for
something as simple as planting shrubs or trees.
•For more information, visit the Vegetation Management
section of our website, DuquesneLight.com. It can be
found on the “Customer Service” dropdown menu of the
“For Your Home” section.
If you have any questions about tree planting or
maintenance, call our customer service number,
1-412-393-7100. One of our Vegetation
Management professionals will return your call.
Duquesne Light works with communities throughout
its service territory to manage the “urban forest” so
that everyone can enjoy trees that are compatible
with safe, reliable electric service. Remember: Right
Tree, Right Place! Plan ahead and keep safety in
mind when selecting a proper tree to fit your site.
A healthy, properly placed tree is a safe tree.
ELEC T RI C LI N ES A N D TRE E S
Electric Lines and Trees:
21
W HAT ’ S YOURS ? W HA T’ S O URS?
WHAT’S YOURS?
WHAT’S OURS?
Bringing electricity from the utility pole on a street into a
customer’s home can be described as a “team effort.” We’re
responsible for some of the equipment, while the customer
must take care of repairs and upkeep for other parts.
Basically, Duquesne Light maintains the wire that delivers
the electricity to your home and the meter that measures your
power usage. The accompanying illustration shows the
electrical system for a typical home, and how responsibility
for that equipment is shared between Duquesne Light and
the customer.
Customers should call Duquesne Light at 412-393-7100
if they have questions regarding what equipment is their
responsibility.
7
PLEASE NOTE: A licensed electrician should perform any repairs
or upgrades to your home’s electrical system.
It’s also important to note that while Duquesne Light maintains
the service-drop wire, the customer is responsible for
having any vines or tree branches pruned or removed from
the service drop area that may interfere with your electric
service. For your personal safety and the safety of those
you may hire, qualified line-clearance tree professionals must
be used to remove any vegetation around energized wires.
22
W HAT ’ S YOURS ? W HA T’ S O URS?
1.Service Drop – While Duquesne Light maintains the
service-drop wire, you are responsible for pruning or
removing any tree branches or vegetation that may
interfere with your electric service.
2.Point of Attachment – We provide the anchor — known as
a “one point” — that attaches the service drop to the home.
3.Service Entrance Cable – You are responsible for the
wire that runs along the outside of your home into the meter,
and from the meter to your service panel or fuse box.
4.Meter Base – The metal box that houses the meter is the
customer’s responsibility.
5.Meter – Duquesne Light owns and maintains the meter.
6.Service Panel or Fuse Box – You are responsible for
the box, the circuit breaker or fuses, and all of the wiring
inside the home.
23
ELEC T RI C S AF ET Y I N S I DE A N D O UT
Electric Safety
INSIDE AND OUT
Electricity is a clean and versatile form of energy that helps
add convenience, comfort and enjoyment to our everyday
lives. At the same time, it is a powerful force, moving at
nearly the speed of light. Like any form of energy, electricity
must be treated with care and respect. Duquesne Light
is dedicated to providing safe electrical energy to homes
and businesses. You can help keep it safe by always being
cautious when you are near electrical facilities.
Beware of Power Lines
•
Overhead power lines are not insulated. Coming into
direct contact with a power line can result in death or
serious injury. Keep ladders and tools — and yourself —
at least 10 feet away, and never cut or trim branches
that are in contact with power lines.
• A wire lying on the ground, across a rooftop or across a
car may still be energized. Call us at 412-393-7000 and
follow the teleprompts.
• If you have hired roofers or tree trimmers to work at
your home, make sure they contact Duquesne Light
before working within 10 feet of your service drop.
•Going after kites or shoes or other objects caught on
power lines is extremely dangerous and could be fatal.
If any object gets tangled in a wire or a utility pole or
tower, play it safe and call us for assistance.
24
•
Never climb utility poles or transmission towers, and
never climb trees near power lines. The human body
is an excellent conductor of electricity. You could
become its path from the lines to the ground.
•
Always stay clear of anything that says “DANGER,
HIGH VOLTAGE.” Whether it’s a sign on Duquesne
Light equipment or a large transformer fenced off in
the back of a shopping plaza, stay away.
HIGH E
G
A
T
L
VO
Indoor Electrical Safety Rules
•Never operate an electric appliance while touching a metal object
(especially plumbing), standing on a wet surface, or taking a bath
or shower.
ELEC T RI C S AF ET Y I N S I DE A N D O UT
R
E
G
N
A
D
•Never insert metal objects into an appliance or outlet. Consult a
service person if an appliance needs repair.
•Avoid using extension cords whenever possible. If you must use
one, don’t exceed its recommended rating or plug it into another
extension cord. Unplug it from the outlet after use.
For the Birds
Why can birds perch on electric wires (and squirrels walk across
them) and not get hurt? It’s because they ONLY touch the wire
and nothing else at the same time.
For people, though, electric wires aren’t a place to hang out.
That’s because we’re usually also touching the ground. Or
touching some other object that’s touching the ground, such
as a tree or a ladder. Any contact with the ground forms a path
for the electricity to flow — from the wire, through us, and then
through the object that’s touching the ground.
Power lines can carry thousands of volts of electricity that can
cause injury or death. Touching power lines is for the birds —
ONLY. If you’re human, stay far away.
25
PO W ER O F LIG HT
Outreach Program Reinforces
Commitment to Building
Strong, Vibrant Communities
Duquesne Light’s “Power of Light” corporate outreach
program is designed to reinforce our commitment to the
Pittsburgh region’s future by focusing on illuminating regional
and neighborhood landmarks and recreational lighting, as well
as lighting initiatives promoting economic vitality, safety and
security in the communities and neighborhoods served by
the company.
This unique program builds on successful partnerships, such
as the architectural lighting of Penn Avenue and the Roberto
Clemente Bridge, safety lights installed on Smallman Street in
Pittsburgh’s Strip District, and recreational lighting for various
community ball fields and parks. While lighting is a central
focus, Duquesne Light also will fund outreach programs
that enhance the region’s livability, support the wise use
of energy, or assist low-income families.
Our long-time participation in Pittsburgh’s holiday festivities reinforces our commitment to
fostering a strong and vibrant downtown.
26
PO W ER O F LIG HT
Duquesne Light’s unique “Illuminating Penn” project involved using exterior lighting to
highlight the facades of 17 buildings along Penn Avenue, between Pittsburgh’s Cultural
District and the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
We invite organizations that meet the program’s funding guidelines
to apply for donations or in-kind services.
“Power of Light” funding criteria, along with an easy-to-use
online grant application, are available on the company’s website,
www.DuquesneLight.com. Just click on the “Community”
dropdown menu of the “Inside Duquesne Light” landing page.
Duquesne Light has been part of the fabric of Pittsburgh for 135
years. We see a bright future for the region, and are committed
to working with others in the community to make it happen.
A Power of Light grant helped
fund and illuminate this colorful
mosaic sign that welcomes
visitors to Pittsburgh’s Uptown
neighborhood that links downtown
and Oakland. It’s part of an effort
to reinforce that Uptown is a
vibrant place to live and work.
27
There Are Many Ways to Contact
DUQUESNE LIGHT
www.DuquesneLight.com
Visit the Duquesne Light website for the answers to many
of your questions, including:
• Online Account Information
– Your electric usage
– Start/stop/transfer service
– Change mailing address
• Online Billing & Payment Options
• Watt Choices Program
– Rebates
– Online home energy audits
Duquesne Light Phone Numbers
Emergencies and Outages.............................. 1-888-393-7000
­­Customer Service............................................... 1-888-393-7100
Credit and Collection............................................ 412-393-7200
Watt Choices Program .................................... 1-888-WATTLEY
(1-888-928-8539)
Time and Temperature..............................................412-391-9500
TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf)........ 412-393-4320
Universal Services (energy assistance)............... 1-888-393-7600
Department and Employee Directories.............. 412-393-6000
Cert no. SCS-COC-001910
2/15/50K