Customer Choice FAQ

Licensed suppliers for DLC can provide customers this information on PA Power Switch. You can use this information to contact different suppliers and compare their prices.

If suppliers contact you directly -- either by phone or by mail -- they must be able to quote you a price.

This is something you must investigate for yourself. Only you can decide what the best plan is for you. The cost per kilowatt-hour may not be your only consideration. Some companies may charge a monthly fee. Others may offer special promotions, such as a month of free service or gift cards. And others may supply electricity from renewable sources.

Accelerated Switching gives customers the opportunity to switch suppliers more frequently, if desired, providing even more access to competitive pricing options that best meet their needs and budgets. Previously, customers could complete one "on-cycle" and one "off-cycle" switch per billing period. Recent updates to our customer information systems enable us to increase supplier switching frequency to one switch every three business days.

Existing shopping customers are eligible. If you have questions about your eligibility, contact us at 412-393-7100 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Press "2" and follow the prompts to reach a customer service representative.

Contact the supplier you've selected to switch to, and they will then send your switch request to Duquesne Light Company. You may also switch back to DLC by logging going to Supplier Information under your Account Settings. Before doing so, you should check to see if there is a penalty for switching written into the terms of your current supplier agreement. For more information about customer choice, visit our Customer Choice page.

Yes. You may switch back to DLC by either contacting your supplier or going to Supplier Information under your Account Settings. It is very important to note that, when evaluating a switch, you should be aware that there could be penalties or fees for breaking the terms of your agreement with your current supplier. Always check with your current supplier before switching back to DLC or to another supplier.

DLC does not require a deposit when you switch suppliers. However, any potential initiation fees and enrollment guidelines should be discussed directly with your new supplier.

If you switch suppliers, you will see multiple suppliers listed on your electric bill during the period in which you switched. Each supplier will also have their individual rate included on the bill.

In partnership with the Public Utility Commission, Duquesne Light is providing this enhanced option because it will increase customers' flexibility to access competitive pricing through supplier choice.

For more information about the Pennsylvania Electric Choice Program, visit www.papowerswitch.com, or, contact us at 412-393-7100 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Press "1" and follow the prompts to reach a customer service representative.

A Seamless Move enables eligible customers to retain their current supplier, without disruption, when moving to a new location within Duquesne Light Company's service territory.

You will need to notify DLC of your upcoming move by visiting the Change of Service page, or, by contacting us at 412-393-7100 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Press "1" and follow the prompts to reach a customer service representative.

Existing residential shopping customers and existing commercial and industrial (C&I) shopping customers with less than 300kW of demand are eligible. Your stop and start service dates must be less than three days apart and the rate class must be the same at both premises. For residential customers this generally means that the primary heating source is the same. 

Yes. With Seamless Move, you will have the ability to switch suppliers.

In partnership with the Public Utility Commission, DLC is providing this option because it increases customer convenience and, in turn, makes it easier for customers to do business with us.

For more information about the Pennsylvania Electric Choice Program, visit www.papowerswitch.com, or, contact us at 412-393-7100 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Press "1" and follow the prompts to reach a customer service representative.

No additional information is required for a Seamless Move. You will just need to notify DLC of an upcoming move by visiting the Change of Service page on our website, DuquesneLight.com, or, contact us at 412-393-7100 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Press "1" and follow the prompts to reach a customer service representative.

Instant Connect will provide new customers with the ability for supplier service to begin on day one of their new utility service, rather than first having to enroll in Duquesne Light Company's default service.

Yes. You will need to contact your supplier, and they will send the switch request to Duquesne Light Company. If DLC receives your switch request three business days or more prior to your move-in date, the new supplier will become effective on the move-in date. Otherwise, the new supplier will become effective three days after DLC receives the request. In the interim period, your electricity will be supplied by DLC's default service.

In partnership with the Public Utility Commission, DLC is providing this option because it increases customer convenience and, in turn, makes it easier for customers to do business with us.

Eligible customers include existing residential shopping customers and existing C&I shopping customers with less than 300kW of demand.

For more information about the Pennsylvania Electric Choice Program, visit www.papowerswitch.com, or, contact us at 412-393-7100 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Press "1" and follow the prompts to reach a customer service representative.

DLC's current price for electric supply. When comparing offers, residential or business customers can use the "price to compare" or if they are currently shopping, they can compare their current price.

To estimate potential monthly savings, subtract the supplier's price from the price to compare from DLC or your current price with your supplier. Then, multiply the difference by the average number of kilowatt-hours (kWh) you use in a month.

Additionally, when comparing prices, it's also important to consider the effect of time-of-day pricing or other offers. If a supplier offers a discount, be sure to find out what part of your bill that discount applies to (for example, does it apply to your entire bill or just the generation charge?). Please use the residential or business "price to compare" charts to figure out your savings.

You should ask questions that help you make a choice based on what is important to you. If it interests you, ask about the source of supply. If you are interested in billing options, make sure you get a clear explanation of any option available to you. Also, you should be clear on the length of time that the price you are quoted is in effect, and if it will change monthly (called a variable rate).

Once we receive notice of a request to switch, we will process the request within three business days. Only one switch can be made within the billing month.

Before changing your supplier, you should review your agreement with your current supplier to see if there are any penalties for early cancellation or any other charges that you may owe if you cancel your agreement with them. If you still want to change suppliers, simply contact the new supplier.

Your new supplier will notify DLC of the change. We will contact you by mail to make sure you requested the change in supplier. We also will notify your prior supplier of the change. Your electric service will not be interrupted when you change suppliers.

DLC does not charge you for changing suppliers. Your current supplier may charge you an early-termination penalty if that was part of your agreement with them. Your agreement with a supplier is a legal agreement that is enforceable through the legal process.

Your supplier notifies us which billing method to use. You should confirm with your supplier how you will be billed.

DLC does not charge you for selecting or changing suppliers.

Yes. Taxes are embedded in the rate charged by a supplier. Most of the same taxes that DLC was required to pay will be charged by the supplier. However, they may not be itemized like they were on DLC's bill.

Perhaps. You must be very sure to compare the rates you are being charged for off-peak service with the rate you will be charged from a competitive supplier. You may not realize as much benefit from generation competition as other customers if you already have a specially reduced off-peak rate.

Slamming is the unauthorized enrollment of a customer in a supplier electric plan. Several safeguards are in place to protect you from slamming.

Once you enroll with a supplier, that supplier must send you the terms of your agreement in writing. You may cancel your agreement for any reason within three days or receipt. In addition, DLC will send you a confirmation letter after we receive notice that you enrolled with a supplier. You must respond in 5 days if the enrollment information is incorrect.

These notices are intended to help you identify unauthorized enrollments. If you have any questions about your agreement or enrollment, we encourage you to contact the supplier.

If supplier charges are billed by DLC, your LIHEAP and Crisis payments will be applied to your full DLC bill. If you are billed by a supplier separately, please ask your supplier if they are a qualified service provider with the PA Department of Welfare (DPW). Only qualified service providers can receive LIHEAP and Crisis payments.

For information on the source of energy for each supplier, contact the supplier or the Clean Air Council (phone: 717-230-8806; website: www.cleanair.org.)

Under most circumstances, the meter provided by DLC currently will support the billing of your account and the service to your premise. You can ask your supplier if their service requires any special metering or other equipment.

In most cases, yes. DLC's meters are enabled to handle a variety of billing and service needs.

Call DLC at 412-393-7000 immediately to report power outages and to request repairs.

You can notify us if you are moving and discontinuing service by using our online form. Your move will end your agreement with your supplier. If you would like to continue service with your supplier, please notify them prior to the move. They will contact us to restart their service at your new premise. Please note that the return to your supplier will begin after your first month at the new premise, and is contingent upon the supplier providing us with timely notice to restart the supplier service. You will receive your supply from DLC during your first month, and up until you change suppliers.

No. DLC will provide your electric supply if you do not choose a supplier. We encourage you to compare offers against our supply rates, as you may find one that better meets your needs.

Yes, you can switch at any time. Before you switch back, please make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your agreement, as you may be subject to an early-cancellation penalty.