On May 20, Duquesne Light Company released a new whitepaper-- “Electrification as a Strategy for Decarbonization”--  focused on the benefits of electrification and its role in decarbonizing the Pittsburgh region.

The project, which involved numerous experts at DLC and external contractors experienced in the energy sector, positions beneficial electrification as a critical strategy for reducing the impacts of a changing climate in our region while also benefiting the economy and public health.

“As a society, we’re at an inflection point regarding the ways in which energy is produced and consumed, and the transition to lower carbon sources of energy is necessary in order to slow the increasingly harmful effects of climate change. As an electric utility, DLC plays a pivotal role in our region’s energy transition and realizes the positive impact that beneficial electrification has on the environment, public health and the economy,” said Kevin Walker, president and CEO of DLC and Duquesne Light Holdings Inc., the parent organization of DLC, DQE Communications and The Efficiency Network.

“We have an opportunity to use electrification as a way to limit energy consumption, lower consumer costs and decrease greenhouse gas emissions, while simultaneously promoting economic and workforce development. I hope this whitepaper will educate and inspire our customers, the public and key decision makers across all sectors as we strive for a decarbonized, clean energy future that benefits everyone.” — Kevin Walker, President CEO of DLC/Duquesne Light Holdings Inc.

The main objectives of the whitepaper include:

-- Raising awareness of the low-carbon electricity generation in the Pittsburgh region that feeds DLC’s service territory in Allegheny and Beaver counties.

-- Detailing how beneficial electrification on a low-carbon electrical grid can reduce harmful impacts to the climate, improve public health and ensure inclusive economic and workforce development.

-- Motivating the Pittsburgh region’s transition to electrification, including transportation and buildings, by showing the immediate positive impacts of connecting to a low-carbon grid.

-- Demonstrating Duquesne Light’s commitment to being a trusted partner in building a clean energy future that benefits all.

Allegheny Conference Report

The whitepaper follows the Allegheny Conference on Community Development’s (ACCD) recently released report, “Our Region’s Energy Future,” which outlines a path to ensure a low-carbon future in southwestern Pennsylvania through efforts that include electrification.

As the region strives for a decarbonized future, DLC will expand partnerships with external stakeholders to ensure an equitable and effective transition, as well as supporting customers on their own journey to electrification through increased electric vehicle infrastructure and energy efficiency programs.

“Taking action today can help protect our planet for current and future generations; however, being successful requires support and collaboration from everyone,” added Walker, who is a member of a task force that contributed to the ACCD report and also a member of CEOs for Electrification through Rewiring America. “Electrification is one more way we can achieve our vision of a clean energy future for all. We have the tools and resources to boldly harness opportunities today and going forward. While it’s clear we still have a lot of work to do, I am confident we’re on the right path and look forward to seeing the progress.”

Click Here for the full whitepaper.

To learn more, visit Duquesne Light’s Clean Energy & Environment webpage.

Related Articles:

-- Allegheny Conference Report: Decarbonization, Energy Transition Are Critical To The Future Competitiveness Of Pittsburgh Region

-- Guest Essay: Climate Change Demands Southwestern PA Transition To A New Low-Carbon Energy Reality

-- PJM Interconnection Releases ‘Grid Of The Future’ Road Map To Handle Coming Renewables, Storage Wave

-- PUC Alerts Electric Customers Prices To Compare Going Up June 1 Between 16.1% And 44.6% Due To Rise In Natural Gas Prices

Related Articles This Week:

-- House Local Govt. Committee Meets May 25 On Bill To Prohibit Communities From Moving To Clean, Cheaper Energy Sources To Address Climate Change

-- Gov. Wolf Announces Aggressive Push To Secure Clean Hydrogen Hub In PA

-- Gov. Wolf: PA Well-Positioned To Be Leader In National Clean Energy Transition

-- New Report Finds Solar Energy Installations At PA K-12 Schools Doubled Since 2020; Their Energy Costs Don’t Fluctuate With Energy Markets

[Posted: May 20, 2022]

5/23/2022