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How do I start new Duquesne Light Company service?
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Getting set up with DLC is easy and convenient. But remember that applications take at least three business days so allow that amount of time before you need electricity service to start.
The first step to starting DLC electricity service is to fill out the DLC online form. New customers can also apply by calling the DLC customer service center at 412-393-7100.
You'll need to provide the following information when you apply to start service:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Address where electricity service is needed
- Phone number
- Social Security number or Tax ID. (This is needed to check your credit history)
Again, Duquesne Light Company needs three business days to process your service request.
If you elect not to provide a Social Security number or Tax ID, please call 412-393-7300 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to complete your application over the phone.
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Will I Need to Pay a Deposit?
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Credit Rating -- DLC has the right to check your credit history and level of credit risk to determine whether a security deposit is necessary.
TIP -- Be sure to unfreeze your credit. If you have frozen your credit with any of the major credit agencies, you will need to have it temporarily unfrozen before you submit a new service request.
Pay a Deposit -- DLC must notify you in writing of the specific reasons why you are required to pay a security deposit. Deposit amounts will be based on company charges in an amount that is equal to either:
- one-sixth of the applicant's estimated annual bill
- one-sixth of the actual average annual bill for existing customers at the premises
Customers have three months to pay the deposit. The utlity can hold the deposit for 24 months. If the customer pays their bill in full and on time for 12 consecutive months, the deposit will earn interest.
Customers also have the right to use a guarantor who is a credit-worthy customer with DLC and can pay your bills if you fail to do so.
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What are the DLC delivery and supply charges?
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In Pennsylvania, residential customers pay for both the cost to deliver their electricity as well as for the amount of electricity supply that they use.
- Delivery Charges are fixed rate charges (tariffs) representing the cost of transmitting electricity to your home via Duquesne Light Company's powers. The charges cover the DLC local infrastructure operating costs, maintenance, and ensures them a profit. Other usage-based charges are small costs from riders to fund projects, cover fees, etc. DLC's delivery charges must be approved by Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission (PA PUC). All DLC customers pay the same set Delivery rates no matter who supplies their energy.
- Supply Charges represent the price for the amount of electricity that you use. Duquesne Light Company customers can choose the "Price to Compare" (PTC) for their electricity supply. However, because of Pennsylvania's Energy Choice program, customers are free to also choose energy from competitive retail electricity suppliers.
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What are DLC PTC charges?
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PA PUC requires Duquesne Light to provide electricity supply at a default rate to customers in their service territory who don't shop for a retail supplier. Implementing the PTC default rates is overseen by PA PUC as these repesent generation supply costs that are passed directly through DLC onto consumers without mark up.
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What does "Price to Compare" (PTC) mean?
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The PTC default rate represents the actual price the utility pays for the electricity. It includes not only the price to generate the electricity but also the cost to transmit it from power stations over high tension power lines to Duquesne Light Company's local electrical switch yards. From there, the electricity is distributed throughout the DLC local electrical grid for delivery to homes.
Each utility's PTC rates are determined every few years during auctions to line up generation supplies covering specific delivery periods. Consequently, Duquesne Light's PTC rates change every 6 months on June 1 and December 1. That means these electricity rates can vary seasonally; low some months, higher the next.
Duquesne Light Company Current PTC Residential Rate: 11.250 cents per kWh, expires 6/30/2023
NOTE: There are approximately thirty-five borough-owned public power systems in Pennsylvania. These purchase energy for their local residents. Many prohibit residents from shopping for their own provider. If you live in one of these communities, check with your local government to learn more.
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How Much Do DLC PTC Charges Cost?
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The Duquesne Light Company PTC rate is a weighted average rate. Business and commercial customers with higher usage have a lower PTC than residential customers. All the same, it's important for all consumers to know and understand how much they are paying for their electricity in any one month.
The DOE EIA estimates that the average Pennsylvania residence uses an average of 864 kWh each month. Therefore, an average PTC bill roughly breaks down like this:
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How much is the Duquesne Light PTC rate?
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|
Rate per 864 kWh Used |
Monthly Customer Charge |
Total |
PTC Supply Rate |
11.250 cents |
0 |
$97.20 |
Monthly Distribution Charges (excluding riders) |
$0.060233 per kWh |
$12.50 |
$64.54 |
Total Bill |
|
|
$161.74 |
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What is Pennsylvania energy choice?
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Pennsylvania electric consumers are free to choose their own competitive retail electricity supplier. These alternative suppliers shop deals with different producers on the wholesale market to offer competitive rates. As such, their rates are not controlled by PAPUC the same way that utilities are. This way, retail suppliers are able to offer competitively priced fixed rate plans for a variety of term lengths.
Though it can seem confusing, shopping electricity plans is an easy process. The trick is finding the one that meets your needs. That's why retail energy suppliers in Pennsylvania offer two types of plans:
- Fixed Rates have their price rate set for the same price over the term of the contract. Customers can count on stable energy rates on plans lasting from 6 to 36 months. However, many fixed rate plans come with early cancellation fees for breaking a contract early.
- Variable Rates Want to avoid getting tied to an electricity plan for months or years? Then choose a variable plan. Variable plan rates on these contracts can change from month to month depending on the price of the electricity supply. But while there's no contract, there's nothing to prevent your rate from going up one month or down the next. However, these plans don't have any termination fees and this allows customers the flexibility to shop for new rates and switch to better deals without paying any penalty.
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How Do I Get the Cheapest DLC Rate?
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Shopping for a new DLC Customer Choice Plan can seem bewildering at first. Once you understand how it works, though, it's an easy and straightforward process. That said, you should have these three things with you when you shop for electricity.
- Your current bill. Your past usage per billing period can help you estimate a how much a plan might cost you each month.
- The current DLC PTC and expiration date. Knowing the current DLC supply price lets you compare rates offered by retail energy suppliers. This way, you can get a better feel for what suppliers are offering, for how long, and if any of their incentives make their price work for your family's need.
- Your Duquesne Light Company of Pennsylvania customer account number. This 10 digit number is located on your bill. Having it handy lets you sign up with a retail supplier right away.
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What do I need to know when shopping for energy in the Duquesne area?
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The best way for a PA energy customer to avoid making a bad choice is to ask the right questions. That way, you can learn exactly the information that can save you money. When you shop for electricity service in Pennsylvania, always be sure to ask these important questions:
- Is the rate variable or is it fixed?
- How long does the plan last?
- Is the rate competitive with the current DLC supply rate?
- What happens when the contract expires?
- Does the plan include any recurring monthly charges?
- Does the plan have an early cancellation fee?
- Does the supplier offer any customer incentives or rewards programs?
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Who bills me?
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DLC sends a single bill that outlines and adds up your monthly charges.
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What are the Terms of Service?
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In PA, Customer Choice Plans must include Terms of Service that explain and identify specific charges and any fees a customer will face when they sign up for an electricity plan. Not all suppliers have the same terms. That's why all Pennsylvania energy choice customers should read and understand the terms of service and contract summary for any plan they are interested in before they sign on to the plan.
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What are early termination fees?
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Switching retail suppliers before a contract ends can involve paying early termination fees. These can take a big chomp out of your checking account you if choose to switch retail providers before your plan contract ends.
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Where can I find more information on my usage?
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DLC customers can request 12 months of their energy usage free of charge. This is most easily available through your DLC online account.
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Who do I contact for Duquesne
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- For Billing problems - First thing to do is contact Duquesne Light Company. If you have trouble paying your monthly bill call Duquesne Light Company's Customer Service: 1-412-393-7100. Have your account number ready.
- Need extra time to pay your energy bill? Customers can apply to the Customer Assistance Program (CAP) by calling Customer Service or by applying on-line.
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Who do I contact about emergencies and outages in the Duquesne region?
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All power transmission lines are extremely dangerous! Never attempt to move a downed power line by yourself. Call 911 and then notifiy Duquesne Light Company.
Report safety hazards involving power lines immediately to DLC at 877-4OUTAGE (877-468-8243).
You can also report downed lines or outages at DLC's website
Check Duquesne Light Company's current electric outages as they are being repaired.