Duquesne Light Company’s (DLC) revealed that it has an annual economic impact of about $848 million to the Pennsylvania economy.
The study, the first-ever done by the company, was conducted by advisory firm Proximo over a five-month period. Proximo reviewed data from 2023 and 2024 to provide a snapshot of DLC’s economic influence through its operations, workforce, supplier partnerships, community investments and customer assistance programs.
Here are the key findings:
- Regional enablement: DLC’s top 25 commercial and industrial customers employ nearly 468,000 people, with an estimated $56.2 billion in economic impact.
- Workforce development: DLC employed more than 1,800 people in 2023, paying $203 million in wages. These earnings translated into a $420 million economic impact in local communities.
- Supplier spending: DLC spent $408 million with suppliers nationwide in 2023, supporting nearly 1,800 jobs and generating $775 million in economic activity. Roughly $132 million of that amount was spent in Pennsylvania, supporting 781 jobs and contributing $252 million to the state economy.
- Customer assistance: In 2023, DLC provided over $10 million in utility assistance, helping customers in disadvantaged communities access essential services. This support generated an estimated $22 million in economic impact by freeing up household income for other necessities like food and housing.
- Municipal tax contributions: DLC paid over $73 million in state and local taxes in 2023, enabling governments to maintain infrastructure and public services. This translated into a $152 million economic impact.
- Community investment: In 2024, DLC awarded $1.3 million in charitable grants to 55 nonprofit organizations, resulting in a $2.7 million economic impact through job support, resource distribution and local spending.
“This study confirms that DLC is more than a utility provider — we strengthen the economic vitality of our local communities in the greater Pittsburgh area and beyond,” Christine Waller, DLC’s vice president of communications and corporate responsibility, said. “From supporting thousands of jobs to investing in nonprofits and helping families keep the lights on, our impact is both wide reaching and deeply personal to each of the customers we serve.”
As DLC continues to invest in its infrastructure, affordable energy and community partnerships, the company anticipates its economic impact will grow in the years ahead.
Duquesne Light serves more than 600,000 customers in Allegheny and Beaver counties.