This page provides a best-effort estimate of Duquesne Light Company (DLC) residential electricity rates, shown in ¢/kWh.
This is an independent project. The calculations require carefully reviewing the DLC tariff and making informed assumptions. It is intended for informational purposes only and may not match actual bills perfectly. DLC’s official billing is always the authoritative source.
How are these columns calculated?
The rates displayed are broken down as follows:
- Total Rate: The bottom-line price per kWh (PTC + Distribution).
- Price to Compare (PTC): The cost of the actual electricity generation and transmission. In the raw tariff, this consists of two separate charges (Supply + Transmission), which are combined here.
A note on third-party suppliers: While Pennsylvania allows consumers to choose an alternative supplier for this portion of the bill, extreme caution is recommended. Many third-party offers use temporary "teaser rates" that later transition into expensive variable rates, or include hidden monthly fees. The PTC shown here is the baseline default rate, which can be used to verify if an alternative offer provides genuine savings.
- Distribution: The cost to deliver power to a residence (poles, wires, infrastructure). This is paid to DLC regardless of who supplies the electricity. Because DLC does not publish a single consolidated "distribution rate," this figure is calculated by combining the base rate with the following riders:
- Rider No. 5 – Universal Service Charge
- Rider No. 10 – State Tax Adjustment
- Rider No. 15A – Phase IV Energy Efficiency and Conservation Surcharge
A Note on the Financial Risk of Time-of-Use (TOU) Rates
While TOU plans are marketed as a way to save money, the risk-to-reward ratio rarely favors the consumer. The "Peak" rate penalty is so severe compared to the standard flat rate that the margins for actually saving money are incredibly thin.
Even for households with Electric Vehicles (EVs) that aggressively shift usage to overnight hours, the savings are often marginal at best. Because the peak rate is so expensive, a single mistake—such as accidentally charging a vehicle, running the AC, or doing laundry during a peak window—can instantly wipe out weeks of careful energy management. Consumers should strictly evaluate their ability to avoid peak-hour usage with zero margin for error before opting into these rates.
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