Duquesne Light Announces Rate Hike for Pittsburgh Residents in June 2025

Pittsburgh residents relying on Duquesne Light for their electricity are facing an upcoming increase in their monthly bills. The utility company recently announced a rate adjustment that will impact both the price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and the overall cost for consumers. Understanding the details of this change is crucial for budgeting and exploring ways to mitigate the impact. Let’s break down what you need to know.

What’s the Hike Looking Like?

Duquesne Light has stated that residential customers will see an average increase of approximately $9 per month on their electricity bills. This increase is directly tied to a rise in the Price to Compare (PTC), which is the rate you would pay if you chose an alternative electricity supplier.

The new Price to Compare for residential customers will jump by over 15% to 9.7093 cents per kWh, up from the current rate of 8.4472 cents per kWh for the period June 1, 2025, through November 30, 2025. This represents a significant increase of over 15% in the generation portion of your bill. It’s important to note that the PTC only covers the cost of the electricity itself; it doesn’t include other charges, such as distribution, transmission, and customer service fees, which are subject to regulation.

Why the Increase?

Duquesne Light is increasing its electricity rates due to a combination of factors. A primary driver dates back to June 2024, when the PJM Interconnection, which manages the grid for Pennsylvania, had a capacity auction that resulted in pricing 833% higher than the prior year. The capacity cost increase is expected to result in a 10-20% increase in Pennsylvania residential electricity bills and a potential up to 29% increase for businesses starting in June 2025.

Then there is the rising cost of natural gas, a significant fuel source for electricity generation in the region, with these increased fuel expenses being passed on to consumers through the Price to Compare.

Lastly, and while not always the direct cause of a PTC increase, ongoing investments in upgrading and maintaining the electricity grid can indirectly influence rates over time. These investments are necessary to ensure reliable service, but can have cost implications.

Help is Available: Assistance Programs for Those in Need

Duquesne Light offers several programs to assist customers who are struggling to pay their electricity bills. If you are facing financial hardship, it’s crucial to reach out and explore these options:

• Customer Assistance Program (CAP): This program offers eligible low-income customers a reduced monthly bill, based on their income and energy usage.
• Hardship Fund: This program provides grants to assist customers who are experiencing a temporary financial hardship in paying their past-due balances.
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): This federally funded program provides cash assistance to help eligible households pay their heating and cooling bills. You can apply through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
• Payment Arrangements: Duquesne Light may be able to work out a payment plan to help you catch up on past-due balances. Contact their customer service to discuss your options.

Don’t hesitate to contact Duquesne Light directly to inquire about these programs and determine your eligibility. Early intervention is key to avoiding service disruptions.

Three Convenient Ways to Compare Rates and Secure a Fixed-Rate Plan

While the Price to Compare is increasing for Duquesne Light’s default service, Pennsylvania’s energy choice program allows you to shop for electricity from other suppliers. Consumers have several avenues available to explore competitive electricity rates and potentially lock in a fixed-rate plan to avoid Duquense’s Price to Compare fluctuations:

1. Explore the PA Power Switch Website: The PA Power Switch website, operated by the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission, offers a comprehensive marketplace with potentially hundreds of competing energy offers. While this provides a wide array of choices, navigating through numerous plans and determining the best supplier for your specific needs can sometimes feel overwhelming.
2. Simplify Your Search with ElectricityRates.com: ElectricityRates.com offers a secure, fast, and simple process designed to streamline your rate comparison experience. We present you with only the best rates from top-rated and trusted electricity suppliers serving Pennsylvania, saving you time and effort in your search for the ideal plan.
3. Shop Directly Through Supplier Websites: You also have the option to visit individual energy suppliers’ websites. However, keep in mind that you will only see the plans offered by that specific supplier, requiring you to visit multiple websites to get a broader view of the competitive landscape.

Simple Ways to Lower Your Energy Usage

While rate increases are often unavoidable, there are numerous steps you can take to lower your overall electricity consumption and mitigate the impact on your monthly bills:

• Switch to Energy-Efficient Lighting: Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs. LEDs use significantly less energy and last much longer.
• Unplug Electronics: Many devices continue to draw power even when turned off (phantom load). Unplug chargers, TVs, and other electronics when not in use, or use power strips and switch them off at the source.
• Smart Thermostat: Install a smart thermostat to optimize your heating and cooling schedules for greater energy efficiency. Program it to lower the temperature when you’re asleep or away from home.
• Efficient Appliance Use: Run washing machines and dishwashers with full loads to maximize energy efficiency. Clean refrigerator coils regularly to ensure efficient operation. Consider air-drying clothes when possible.
• Seal Drafts: Check for drafts around windows and doors and seal them with weather stripping or caulk.
• Insulation: Ensure your home is adequately insulated, particularly in the attic and walls, to minimize heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
• Consider Energy Audits: Duquesne Light may offer home energy audits to identify areas where you can improve energy efficiency.

The upcoming rate hike from Duquesne Light will undoubtedly impact household budgets across Pittsburgh. By understanding the reasons behind the increase, exploring available assistance programs, and taking proactive steps to reduce your energy consumption, you can lessen the financial burden. Don’t forget to leverage resources like ElectricityRates.com to explore alternative electricity suppliers and make informed decisions about your energy costs. Staying informed and taking action are your most effective tools for navigating these changes.