Duquesne Light Company is playing a key role in southwestern Pennsylvania’s clean energy transition

KEVIN WALKER, PRESIDENT AND CEO, DUQUESNE LIGHT HOLDINGS.

Duquesne Light Company (DLC) recently released its 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report, which highlights the company’s performance in three core areas of its ESG strategy: climate awareness, empowering people and acting responsibly. This is DLC’s second annual ESG report and is the first time it presents year-over-year performance metrics based on a 2022 baseline. The report covers a broad range of topics regarding the risks and opportunities facing DLC ​​in moving towards a clean energy future for all, while ensuring economic vitality of the Pittsburgh region. These topics include infrastructure reliability; climate resistance; electrification; energy efficiency; access to renewable energy; diversity, equity and inclusion; and innovation.

Working together to secure federal and state funding for the region

This year’s report includes new data on record government funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act (BIL), Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and other sources, helping DLC ​​deliver safe, reliable and affordable energy to customers while continuing to advance clean energy future for all. DLC received more than $19.8 million and worked with several partners, including local governments, businesses and nonprofits, to secure more than $43.7 million to support grid modernization, clean and renewable energy, transportation electrification and initiatives for community engagement in the Pittsburgh region.

“This is a pivotal moment for our region, and we are proud to serve as a trusted energy partner to help secure and deploy funds that will help Southwest Pennsylvania thrive for generations to come,” said Kevin Walker, president and CEO of DLC, in statement to the New Pittsburgh Courier. “A sustainable future is possible when we work together for the greater good of our people, the environment and our communities.”

The new report aims to demonstrate the company’s progress in meeting its long-term ESG targets set for 2022, with the company remaining on track to achieve all targets. Additional information included in the 2023 report includes: Increasing the electrification of the company’s fleet from 8 percent in 2022 to 11 percent in 2023. In 2023, the company added eight more all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning to its fleet, making DLC’s Lightning fleet largest in southwestern Pennsylvania; Strengthening local communities through philanthropy and volunteerism, including nearly $2 million distributed to 464 organizations in 2023, 86 percent of which are diversely led organizations. DLC employees also participated in 89 community volunteer events, completing 4,320 volunteer hours; Enabled customers to participate in energy efficiency programs that helped reduce 100,680 MWh across all customer segments. These measures resulted in a reduction of 78,650 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, equivalent to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from 15,878 gas-powered passenger vehicles operated for one year or 282,909,597 miles. (Based on EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalence Calculator as of December 31, 2023); The National Weather Service has designated the company as a StormReady Institution, highlighting the company’s position as an industry leader in best practices for planning and responding to severe weather and water events. At the time of the recognition, DLC was one of only two U.S. electric utilities to receive this distinction.

“As an energy company serving more than 600,000 customers across two counties, including the city of Pittsburgh, we embrace our role in leading the clean energy transition in our region,” said Christine Waller, vice president of communications and corporate responsibility at DLC. “We are encouraged by the progress we have made in 2023 and remain committed to advancing our ESG initiatives. Our position as an essential service provider and leading regional employer means we have a responsibility to continue these important efforts to better support our customers and communities.”

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