General Project Information

Customers will experience scheduled outages during construction. A limited number of premises will be affected each day. The impacted streets will vary by day or week.
On average, customers should expect planned outages ranging from thirty minutes to eight hours, but in some instances up to 12 hours. Customers will always be restored before crews leave for the day.
A project manager will be available for regular communication to customers and to ensure a seamless process throughout the project.

Pictured to the right is a typical vault, which is sometimes mistaken for a sewer drain. The vault underneath contains high voltage cables and equipment.
The current equipment is no longer industry standards. Because it is underground, it is difficult to access for maintenance and it collects debris and water which can cause interruptions in service. It is challenging for our crews to disconnect and reconnect high voltage connections and keep them clean.

Finished equipment is approximately 42” x 42” x 42.” It is designed for high voltage connections to occur above ground and prevents trapped water, salt, dirt, and lawn treatments.
Not only is it safer to work in and can be worked on while energized, but it helps reduce outage length and amount of customers affected.
Examples of finished equipment are shown below:

It is necessary to allow a 10-foot clearance on the front side of the equipment and a 3-foot clearance on all other sides. If accessibility does not meet minimum requirements, DLC may remove any obstructions to safely access and repair equipment
Landscaping can be used to shield your view of these items. Recommended landscaping include annuals, grasses and butterfly bushes

In order to install this equipment safely crews will have to shut off power to your house.
Each home will experience both switching outages (1/2 hour) and equipment outages (4-8 hours) starting around 8:30 am.
Crews endeavor to have power on by 4:30pm every day.
The number of outages you experience is based on the circuit layout and the sequence of work.
One week in advance or more of an outage a PA One Call flags will be placed

There are two key methods that you can get information on outages for this project

The Project Hotline (412) 393-681* (The full number, including last digit, is printed on the information letters and signs posted within the plan.)
- The project hotline is updated as work progresses.
- It is a prerecorded message with information regarding outages to addresses.
- If you have a concern, you can leave a message after the message finishes.
Our Website (www.duquesnelight.com)

DLC installs this new equipment in the public road right-of-way space near the road.
Crews may have to remove existing plants if they conflict with our underground equipment.
Our crew will replace cable and install the above ground device.
Crews will replant grass, spread mulch or stone, but not new landscaping.
Customers can plant near our equipment provided they follow the spacing we put on our equipment warning labels
The new equipment (same as the existing) carries high voltage and should never be tampered with
Always call PA One-Call before you dig to avoid hitting underground cables