Duquesne Light Releases 2023 ESG Report - Playing A Central Role In SW PA Clean Energy Transition

On May 22, Duquesne Light Company released its 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, which discloses the company’s performance in three core areas of its ESG strategy: climate conscious, powering people and responsible performance. 

This is DLC’s second annual ESG report and, for the first time, discloses year-over-year performance metrics from a 2022 baseline. 

The report covers a wide range of topics addressing risks and opportunities that DLC faces as it pursues a clean energy future for all while securing the economic vitality of the Pittsburgh region. 

These topics include infrastructure reliability; climate resilience; electrification; energy efficiency; access to renewable energy; diversity, equity and inclusion; and innovation.

Collaborating to Secure Federal and State Funds to Benefit the Region

This year’s report includes new data surrounding the record government funding available through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and other sources, which helps DLC deliver affordable, safe and reliable energy to its customers while continuing to advance a clean energy future for all. 

DLC received more than $19.8 million, and worked with several partners, including local governments, businesses and nonprofits, to secure more than $43.7 million to support grid modernization, clean and renewable energy, transportation electrification and community engagement initiatives in the Pittsburgh region.

“This is a pivotal moment for our region, and we’re proud to serve as a trusted energy partner to help secure and implement funding that helps southwestern Pennsylvania power forward for future generations,” said Kevin Walker, DLC’s president and CEO. “A sustainable future is possible when we work together for the greater good of our people, environment and our communities.”

The new report aims to demonstrate the company’s progress toward its long-term ESG targets established in 2022, with the company remaining on track to meet all. 

Some additional highlights in the 2023 report include:

-- Increased the company’s fleet electrification from 8% in 2022 to 11% in 2023. In 2023, the company added eight more 100% electric Ford F-150 Lightnings to its fleet, making DLC’s Lightning fleet the largest in southwestern Pennsylvania.

-- Strengthened local communities through charitable giving and volunteerism, including nearly $2 million donated to 464 organizations in 2023 — 86% of which are diverse led. DLC employees also participated in 89 volunteer events in the community, contributing to 4,320 volunteer hours.

-- Enabled customers to participate in energy efficiency programs that helped reduce 100,680 MWh across all customer segments. These measures led to a reduction of 78,650 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, which is equal to the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from 15,878 gas-powered passenger vehicles driven for one year or 182,909,597 miles. (From the EPA GHG Equivalence Calculator as of Dec. 31, 2023.)

-- Named a StormReady institution by the National Weather Service, which highlights the company as an industry leader in best practices when planning for and responding to severe weather and water events. At the time of recognition, DLC was one of only two electric utility companies in the U.S. to receive this distinction.

“As an electric utility serving more than 600,000 customers in two counties, including the city of Pittsburgh, we embrace the role we have in leading our region’s clean energy transition,” said Christine Waller, vice president of communications and corporate responsibility at DLC. “We are encouraged by the progress we made in 2023 and remain committed to advancing our ESG initiatives. Our position as an essential service provider and top regional employer means we have a responsibility to continue driving these important efforts to better support our customers and communities.”

Visit DLC’s Corporate Responsibility webpage to download the full 2023 report and review supplementary materials within the reporting library, including a report summary and ESG performance data tables.

Related Article:

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-- Pittsburgh 2030 District Reports Gains Toward Energy, Carbon Emissions Reduction Goals  [PaEN]

-- 10th Annual PA Renewables Summit Set For June 3-4 In Harrisburg  [PaEN]

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[Posted: May 22, 2024]  PA Environment Digest