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Major storms can happen at any time of the year and strike at any time. Duquesne Light constantly monitors
national weather data and maps using specialized weather tracking systems to give us as much preparation time
as possible.
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Duquesne Light’s response to all power outages is coordinated at our Distribution Operations Center (DOC).
The DOC is staffed 24-hours a day, 7 days a week to coordinate work on our system and respond to power outages.
During a major event, the DOC serves as the Company’s Storm Headquarters, the central location where
the Company’s power restoration activities are coordinated. Duquesne Light crews can usually begin
restoring outages while a storm is still in progress. However, during severe storms, it may take several
hours after the storm subsides before damage reports can be analyzed and prioritized.
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The Company’s comprehensive Service Restoration Emergency Plan allows us to quickly mobilize
personnel and equipment to respond to storm damage. As soon as it becomes evident that a major storm
is approaching, the following actions start immediately.
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Duquesne Light’s Emergency Response Organization is activated.
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Administrative and field personnel are alerted to begin planning for crew reassignments and
additional support staff.
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Supplies are checked and additional materials are secured.
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Service trucks are loaded with equipment and supplies as well as a full tank of gas.
While personnel at the DOC are directing the power restoration efforts, Duquesne Light personnel at
the Company’s Call Center are answering the phones around-the-clock to collect outage reports
from customers and relay information to the DOC.
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As the Company’s Storm Headquarters, the DOC is extensively staffed around-the-clock to provide
technical expertise and administrative support until all power is restored. The DOC serves as the
Company’s central location for coordinating power restoration activities. The DOC Storm Team
is responsible for:
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Monitoring the weather, including the threat of additional storms
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Performing remote switching by computer to clear circuits for repair work and then return them
to service when work is completed
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Compiling and assessing damage information
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Dispatching field investigators, referred to as Troubleshooters, who provide initial damage reports
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Coordinating crew movements, including tree removal crews that often must remove trees and tree limbs
before line crews can replace wires and equipment
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Supplementing the Company’s workforce as needed. Depending on the severity of the damage,
Duquesne Light also can call upon crews from neighboring utilities throughout the region for
assistance as part of the industry’s mutual aid agreement
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Activating and organizing corporate technical and administrative support
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Serving as the focal point of information for the news media, emergency personnel, major customers,
and all others who need restoration information
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The time it takes to restore service depends on the extent and nature of the damage. After a major storm,
thousands of streets may be without power and rebuilding the electrical infrastructure is time consuming
and dangerous. Field Investigators, who specialize in power restoration, perform initial assessments of
damage. These investigators, who circulate throughout the Company’s service area, are able to complete
basic repairs and provide detailed damage information to DOC personnel. The DOC and district personnel use
this information to assign repair crews. Visit Restoration Priorities
for information on how we assign repair work.
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