Project Pittsburgh Resiliency

OVERVIEW

Duquesne Light Company’s Project Pittsburgh Resiliency (“PPR”) was developed to make Pittsburgh’s downtown area one of the most resilient and reliable electrical systems in the world by eliminating multiple vulnerabilities.  Currently, we are undertaking several projects to enhance the resilience of Pittsburgh's power grid, including investments in grid modernization, infrastructure upgrades, and community support.  These efforts are driven by the need to improve reliability in the face of increasingly volatile weather and to meet the growing energy demands of the region.   As downtown continues its resurgence, and with exciting events like the 2026 NFL Draft around the corner, Duquesne Light is approaching the completion of construction of a new state-of-the-art substation called the Watson Substation. The new substation will provide an additional source of safe, reliable power to the Golden Triangle.  

WATSON SUBSTATION PROJECT

This substation was built to make the electrical grid stronger and more dependable for residents, businesses, and visitors.  As a joint effort with Burns and McDonnell, the substation will have modern equipment and technology. It will be controlled and monitored remotely by Duquesne Light’s Operations Center and will connect to existing circuits using underground transmission and distribution lines.  This project was in coordination with the Pittsburgh Regional Transit (“PRT”) and Bus Rapid Transit (“BRT”) project.  

LOCATION

The substation, located in the Uptown neighborhood, will also increase capacity in the growing Uptown, Hill District, and Oakland communities.  

TIMING

Duquesne Light Company has filed an application for this project with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), which was approved February 2022. Construction for this multi-phased project started in 2019 and the final phase of this project will run through December 2026. 

CONTACT INFORMATION

Please send inquiries to customerrelations@duqlight.com