Customer Assistance Program

Our Customer Assistance Program (CAP) was established to assist our low-income customers who may have difficulty paying their bill with an ongoing, affordable monthly payment. CAP offers several benefits to those who are eligible, including a reduced monthly bill, debt forgiveness and security deposit waiver, if needed.

Apply online today for the CAP program or for a security deposit waiver. Prior to starting the application, you will need to have the following information available:

Income and source of income for all household members.
Names, social security numbers and birth dates for all household members.

Once your application is submitted, a CAP Case Manager will be in contact with you within three business days. If you would like to visit a CAP office in person, please print and complete the application and contact the CAP agency nearest you for available appointment times and walk-in hours.

Please note that the receipt of a LIHEAP grant would indicate you are eligible for CAP. However, you still will be required to provide your income information when applying for CAP in person or online.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of CAP?

Reduced monthly payments
Debt forgiveness if terms of the CAP agreement are met
Information about reducing your electric use
Local office access to CAP experts
Referrals to other community resources

What are the eligibility requirements?

CAP is available to Duquesne Light customers who are adults (18 years of age or older) and living in the household. The applicant’s household income must be less than 150% of federal income poverty guidelines.

2021 FEDERAL INCOME GUIDELINES: CAP PROGRAM

No. In Household	Monthly Income	Yearly Income
1	$1,610	$19,320
2	$2,178	$26,130
3	$2,745	$32,940
4	$3,313	$39,750
5	$3,880	$46,560
6	$4,448	$53,370
Each additional	$568	$6,810

*Note: The amounts listed above are the maximum gross income amounts (before taxes) allowed for each income size.

How is my monthly CAP payment determined?

Your CAP payment each month will be a Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) based on your income and household members.
The percentage is determined by your income and household size. There is an annual MAXIMUM CAP discount based on your income level.
The difference between your CAP Payment Amount (CPA) and your actual usage equals the CAP Discount.
Your minimum monthly payment is based on your rate class — $20 for RS and $40 for RH.
Your CAP bill must be paid monthly for you to remain eligible for the program benefits, including any debt that is being forgiven. Debt forgiveness is provided after your full monthly payment is made, and is 1/24 of the total debt. You will be responsible for any remaining debt not forgiven if you fail to make your monthly payments.

What does the CAP bill look like?

Your CAP bill will give you a snapshot of your CPA, CAP discount remaining, and the amount of debt forgiven.
You can see when your annual CAP discount resets.
Several places show your monthly CAP payment, which is the amount due.

Click the bill preview icon below for a close-up look at the bill with helpful hints on what each section means.

How can I be a successful CAP customer?

Pay your monthly bill on time.
Apply for energy assistance grants from LIHEAP and Dollar Energy Fund, when available.
You’ll need to recertify your income every 24 months (or 6 months if reporting no income).
Conserve electricity. If your usage significantly increases, you may be required to complete a Smart Comfort visit.
Take advantage of weatherization measures, if qualified.
Notify your CAP Case Manager or DLC's Universal Services Center of any change in income, residence, number of household members, or if you are experiencing any hardships.