Pittsburgh Electricity Market Overview
- One of Pennsylvania's oldest utilities (since 1880)
- Serves 600,000+ customers in southwestern PA
- Primary coverage: Allegheny and Beaver counties
- ✅ Pittsburgh residents can choose their electricity supplier
- ✅ Duquesne Light continues delivering power
- ❌ No municipal aggregation program (unlike Ohio cities)
Duquesne Light Price to Compare December 2025
- 📈 13.75¢/kWh effective December 1, 2025
- 10.6% increase from previous 12.43¢/kWh
- Earlier 2025: ~15% jump to 9.7¢/kWh in June
- ⚡ Surging capacity costs in PJM Interconnection grid
- ⚡ Growing grid demand
- ⚡ Infrastructure investment needs
Shopping for Pittsburgh Electricity Rates
- 💰 Supplier rates as low as 8.99¢/kWh
- 💰 Save nearly 5¢/kWh vs 13.75¢ PTC
- Rate per kWh
- Contract term length
- Fixed vs variable pricing
- Early termination fees
Understanding Duquesne Light Delivery Charges
- 🔌 Duquesne Light infrastructure investment
- 🔌 Maintenance and operation
- 🔌 Local distribution network
- Customer charge (fixed monthly fee)
- Distribution charges per kWh
- Transmission charges for regional grid
- Riders for efficiency and renewable programs
Why Pittsburgh Lacks Municipal Aggregation
- ❌ PA PUC approval required for opt-out programs
- ❌ Commission approves only in "unique circumstances"
- ❌ Pittsburgh faces additional regulatory hurdles vs boroughs
- Must shop individually through PA Power Switch
- Or remain on Duquesne Light default service
- No automatic enrollment in competitive/green plans
Green Energy Options for Pittsburgh Residents
- 🌱 100% renewable plans backed by RECs
- 🌱 Rates slightly higher than standard but may beat Duquesne Light default
- 🌱 PA Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards require renewable percentage
- Look for Pennsylvania-sourced renewable energy
- Avoid out-of-state certificates when possible
- Pittsburgh region has growing solar/wind development
Strategies for Lowering Pittsburgh Electric Bills
- 💰 Shop PA Power Switch for rates below 13.75¢ PTC
- 💰 Rates as low as 8.99¢/kWh = ~$50/month savings
- 💰 Lock in fixed-rate contracts to avoid increases
- 🏠 Duquesne Light Watt Choices rebates for appliances/weatherization
- 🏠 Smart thermostats and efficient appliances
- 🏠 Budget billing to spread annual costs evenly
- 🏠 Usage alerts to monitor consumption
- 📞 LIHEAP: Heating assistance
- 📞 CAP: Customer Assistance Program discounted rates
Duquesne Light Outage Reporting in Pittsburgh
- 📞 Call: 412-393-7000
- 📱 Duquesne Light mobile app
- 💻 Outage map: duquesnelight.com
- ⛈️ Severe thunderstorms
- 🧊 Winter ice storms
- 💨 High winds
- 🏔️ Landslides (hilly terrain)
- Smart meters
- Automated switching equipment
- Vegetation management
Understanding Your Pittsburgh Electric Bill
- ⚡ Covers electricity generation
- ⚡ Price to Compare: 13.75¢/kWh (or your supplier rate)
- ⚡ This is what you can change by switching
- 🔌 Customer charge
- 🔌 Distribution charges
- 🔌 Transmission charges
- 🔌 Riders and surcharges
Pittsburgh Electricity Resources and Contacts
- 📞 Customer service: 412-393-7100
- 📞 Outages: 412-393-7000
- 💻 Online: duquesnelight.com
- 💻 PA Power Switch: papowerswitch.com
- 📞 PA PUC Bureau of Consumer Services: 1-800-692-7380
- 💻 Watt Choices: duquesnelight.com/watt-choices
- 📞 LIHEAP: 1-866-857-7095
- 📞 CAP (income-qualified): 412-393-7100
- 📞 Dollar Energy Fund: 1-888-282-2310
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current electricity rate in Pittsburgh?
Duquesne Light Price to Compare for Pittsburgh residential customers is 13.75 cents per kWh as of December 1, 2025, a 10.6% increase from previous rates. Competitive supplier rates through PA Power Switch start as low as 8.99 cents per kWh. Total electricity costs including delivery charges typically range from 18-20 cents per kWh for Pittsburgh residents.
Why are Pittsburgh electricity rates increasing in 2025?
Pittsburgh electricity rates increased significantly in 2025 due to surging capacity costs in the PJM Interconnection grid. PJM capacity auction prices increased dramatically, reflecting growing demand and infrastructure investment needs. The Duquesne Light Price to Compare rose 15% in June 2025 and another 10.6% in December 2025, adding approximately $10 monthly to average residential bills.
Should I switch electricity suppliers in Pittsburgh?
Shopping for competitive rates makes sense for most Pittsburgh residents given the high 13.75 cent Price to Compare. Supplier rates as low as 8.99 cents per kWh can save approximately $50 monthly on average usage. Use PA Power Switch at papowerswitch.com to compare licensed suppliers. Lock in fixed-rate contracts to avoid future increases. Pennsylvania caps residential early termination fees at $50.
Does Pittsburgh have a community choice aggregation program?
No, Pittsburgh does not have a municipal aggregation program. Pennsylvania regulatory framework requires PA PUC approval for opt-out aggregation, approved only in limited circumstances. Unlike Ohio cities with automatic enrollment programs, Pittsburgh residents must shop individually through PA Power Switch or remain on Duquesne Light default service.
How do I report a power outage in Pittsburgh?
Report Duquesne Light outages in Pittsburgh by calling 412-393-7000 or through the Duquesne Light mobile app. View the online outage map at duquesnelight.com for current outages and estimated restoration times. Duquesne Light handles all outage response regardless of your electricity supplier. Sign up for outage alerts to receive automated updates.
What assistance programs are available for Pittsburgh electricity customers?
Low-income Pittsburgh residents may qualify for LIHEAP heating assistance through 1-866-857-7095 and Duquesne Light Customer Assistance Program (CAP) offering discounted rates at 412-393-7100. Dollar Energy Fund at 1-888-282-2310 provides emergency utility assistance. Duquesne Light offers budget billing to spread costs evenly. Contact PA PUC at 1-800-692-7380 for help navigating assistance options.
About the author
Consumer Advocate
Enri has spent years helping Texans navigate the deregulated electricity market at ComparePower. He knows what confuses people about energy shopping and what actually helps them save. At ElectricRates.org, he brings that same expertise to Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.
Topics covered
Sources & References
- Duquesne Light - Price to Compare (Duquesne Light Company): "Duquesne Light publishes Price to Compare rates for residential customers"Accessed Jan 2025
- PA PUC - Electric Shopping (Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission): "PA PUC provides resources for comparing electricity suppliers through PA Power Switch"Accessed Jan 2025
Last updated: December 10, 2025
