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Keeping your home energy efficient benefits the environment and can save you money in the long run. Most people want to reduce their energy usage and carbon footprint. But energy-efficient technology and other energy conservation measures can have a high upfront cost that can be challenging for consumers to afford, especially amid rising inflation and economic uncertainty.
For Pittsburgh-area residents in this situation, Duquesne Light Company (DLC) is here to help. DLC is a next-generation, customer-centric energy company. DLC has provided Allegheny and Beaver counties with safe and reliable electricity for over a century. DLC is working to brighten the Pittsburgh community by providing safe and clean energy and investing in the community they call home.
DLC provides multiple resources for customers facing financial hardship or who are otherwise struggling to keep up with their monthly energy payments. These resources can include payment assistance for low-income customers and help in making customers’ homes more energy efficient to reduce energy costs even more!
Payment Arrangements
DLC customers with outstanding charges can pay off their account balance in monthly installments. Visit this link to apply or find more information.
Customer Assistance Program
Low-income customers may be eligible for DLC’s customer assistance program (CAP). The benefits of this program include a reduced monthly bill, debt forgiveness, and a security deposit waiver. CAP-eligible customers can pay on a Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) that considers both income and household size.
Customers making less than 150% of federal income poverty guidelines are eligible for CAP and should consider applying by visiting this link.
LIHEAP Grants
The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare provides a cash grant through its Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help residents pay their energy bills during the winter. LIHEAP also provides crisis grants during emergencies for situations like lack of fuel, broken heating equipment, or termination of utility service.
These grants can be paid to DLC for your electric bill or split between DLC and your gas company.
Like CAP, LIHEAP eligibility is also determined by income level. LIHEAP applications will reopen this fall. Check out this link to learn more.
Dollar Energy Fund
Partnered with and funded in part by DLC, the Dollar Energy Fund provides grants to low-income DLC customers whose service has been or is threatened to be terminated. These grants are available from Oct. 1 through Feb. 28 and can provide up to $2,000.
CARES
Grants can be helpful during times of financial hardship in the short term. However, DLC wants to help customers reach long-term solutions. Aiming to address deeper causes of payment problems, the Customer Assistance & Referral Evaluation Service (CARES) program provides and connects DLC customers in challenging circumstances with social service support and assistance.
Anyone can be eligible for the CARES program and receive access to benefits. Benefits include home visits by CARES representatives, information about reducing your electric use, access to a toll-free number for questions and information, and referrals to other Duquesne Light programs. Visit this link to learn more.
Smart Comfort
DLC provides energy education and conservation services through their Smart Comfort Program. The program aims to further serve low-income customers by helping them lower costs and avoid any problems with monthly energy payments in the first place.
Conservation and energy reduction measures (such as improved insulation) help decrease the energy required to power your home to reduce energy bill costs at the end of the month. These measures are provided free of charge for qualified customers.
Additionally, the Smart Comfort Program provides a no-cost energy audit to help customers find potential areas to reduce energy usage. It then provides education on how to make reductions in those areas.
Go to this link to see if you qualify.
Home Weatherization
DLC’s home weatherization programs help to further reduce energy costs by making your home’s heating and cooling systems more efficient.
Everyone deserves reliable and affordable access to energy. Visit the DLC website to benefit from one of DLC’s energy efficiency or financial assistance programs.
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