Pittsburgh Electricity Rates
Pittsburgh has reinvented itself from Steel City to a powerhouse of healthcare, technology, and higher education — and every household in Duquesne Light’s territory can choose its own electricity supplier. Duquesne Light maintains the grid across Allegheny County, but the generation rate on your bill is yours to decide. With 42+ electric generation suppliers competing for Pittsburgh customers, comparing plans can save you hundreds per year.
Key Takeaways
Cheapest Electricity Plans in Pittsburgh
The lowest-priced residential electricity plans for Duquesne Light customers in the Pittsburgh area as of March 8, 2026 @ 9:38 PM CT. Rates reflect 1,000 kWh monthly usage.
Showing 20 of 122 Pittsburgh electricity plans.
Best Pittsburgh Electricity Plans by Usage Level
Pittsburgh’s four-season climate — cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers — means electricity usage varies significantly throughout the year. The average household uses 800–1,100 kWh/month, with winter peaks in homes using electric heat or heat pumps. Here are today’s best picks at four usage tiers.
- American Power & Gas
- 10.3¢/kWh at this usage
- 1-month fixed rate
- American Power & Gas
- 10.3¢/kWh at this usage
- 1-month fixed rate
- American Power & Gas
- 10.3¢/kWh at this usage
- 1-month fixed rate
Lake-Effect Winter Warning
Pittsburgh’s winters are no joke. Homes with electric heat or heat pumps can see usage jump from 800 kWh in fall to 1,400–1,800 kWh in January. Even gas-heated homes see spikes from electric space heaters and shorter daylight hours. Compare plans at both 1,000 kWh and 2,000 kWh.
Pittsburgh Electricity Suppliers
We compare rates from 42 electric generation suppliers active in Duquesne Light’s Allegheny County territory. Every supplier below offers plans to Pittsburgh residents today.
Pittsburgh Business Electricity Rates
Pittsburgh’s economy has transformed from steel to healthcare, tech, and education — led by UPMC, Carnegie Mellon, the University of Pittsburgh, and a booming robotics and AI corridor. Commercial customers access the same deregulated market as residents, with custom-quoted rates built around demand profiles.
Business electricity pricing factors in peak demand, load factor, and total volume. A quick quote is the only way to see what rates are available for your specific business profile.
Pittsburgh Business Types We Serve
Healthcare (UPMC & AHN)
UPMC, Allegheny Health Network, and the Oakland medical corridor represent massive energy consumers requiring 24/7 uptime guarantees.
Higher Education
Carnegie Mellon, Pitt, Duquesne, and Point Park campuses access institutional rates with budget-cycle billing across multiple buildings.
Technology & Robotics
The Strip District and Lawrenceville tech corridor — home to autonomous vehicle companies, AI startups, and Google’s Pittsburgh office — needs reliable commercial rates.
Retail & Hospitality
Market Square, the South Side, and Station Square restaurants and shops benefit from fixed commercial rates through seasonal tourism swings.
Finance & Professional
Downtown Pittsburgh’s financial district — PNC, BNY Mellon, PPG Place — can lock in multi-year commercial rates.
Multi-Location & Franchise
Bundle meters across Allegheny County for lower blended rates.
Pittsburgh Business Electricity Tips
Plan for Pittsburgh’s winters. Heating-season demand can spike commercial loads significantly. Lock in rates before November. Start shopping 60–90 days before your contract expires for the best deals.
Pittsburgh Electricity by ZIP Code
We track electricity rates across 23 ZIP codes in the Pittsburgh area served by Duquesne Light. Find your ZIP below to confirm you can shop for Pittsburgh electricity plans on this page.
Don’t see your ZIP? Duquesne Light’s territory extends across southeastern Pennsylvania. Enter your ZIP code at the top of this page to check availability and compare Pittsburgh electricity plans.
Moving to Pittsburgh? Set Up Electricity
Relocating to Pittsburgh for CMU, Pitt, UPMC, or the booming tech scene? Setting up electricity is straightforward.
Verify Your Address
Confirm your new Pittsburgh address is in Duquesne Light’s territory. Enter your ZIP above. All of Pittsburgh and most of Allegheny County is covered.
Compare Pittsburgh Plans
Browse plans from dozens of suppliers. Factor in your expected usage — apartments typically use 500 kWh, average homes 800–1,000 kWh, and larger homes 1,200+ kWh.
Enroll Online
Sign up in under 10 minutes. You’ll need your new address, Duquesne Light account number, and contact info.
Duquesne Light Processes the Switch
Your new supplier coordinates with Duquesne Light. The switch typically takes effect within 1–2 billing cycles. Duquesne Light continues to deliver electricity regardless.
Pittsburgh Move-In Tips
Contact Duquesne Light at 412-393-7100 to establish basic service first. Once you have your account number, you can shop for a competitive supplier. Pittsburgh winters are cold — make sure heat is working before you arrive.
Switching Electricity Suppliers in Pittsburgh
Already have power in Pittsburgh and want a better rate? Switching suppliers is painless — same Duquesne Light lines, new supplier, potentially lower bill. No downtime, no disruption.
Check Your Current Plan
Find your contract end date and early termination fee (if any). If you’re on Duquesne Light’s default service, there’s no contract — switch anytime.
Compare Against the Price to Compare
Check Duquesne Light’s PTC on your bill. If you find a supplier rate below the PTC, you save on generation. Also compare against your current supplier’s rate.
Sign Up With a New Supplier
Enroll online or by phone. Your new supplier handles everything — they notify Duquesne Light and coordinate the switch.
Seamless Transition
Within 1–2 billing cycles your generation switches. Power flows through the same Duquesne Light lines — zero downtime.
Types of Pittsburgh Electricity Plans
Here’s a breakdown of the main plan categories available to Duquesne Light customers in the Pittsburgh area:
Fixed-Rate Plans
Your per-kWh generation rate stays locked for the full contract term. Ideal for Pittsburgh homeowners who want stable bills through both summer heat and winter cold.
- Rate locked regardless of wholesale market swings
- Protection from seasonal price spikes
- Early termination fee may apply if you cancel early
- Current Pittsburgh fixed rates: 10.3¢–20.9¢/kWh
Variable-Rate Plans
Your rate fluctuates monthly with wholesale electricity prices. Best for short-term Pittsburgh renters or anyone who wants flexibility without a commitment.
- No long-term contract or cancellation fee
- Rates can dip during mild shoulder seasons
- Risk of spikes during extreme weather
- Cancel anytime without penalty
100% Renewable Plans
Backed by wind and solar renewable energy certificates. Pennsylvania’s growing wind and solar capacity makes green electricity increasingly affordable.
- Powered by renewable energy sources
- Often priced close to conventional plans
- Supports PA’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard
- Available from multiple Duquesne Light-area suppliers
Duquesne Light Default (Price to Compare)
If you don’t choose a supplier, Duquesne Light provides generation at the “Price to Compare” rate. This rate changes quarterly and is not always the cheapest option.
- No contract — switch to a supplier anytime
- Rate set quarterly by PA PUC-approved process
- Often higher than competitive fixed-rate plans
- Good as temporary service, not long-term
Pittsburgh Electricity FAQ
Common questions about electricity rates, plans, and suppliers in Pittsburgh and the Duquesne Light service area.
How does electricity deregulation work in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is part of Pennsylvania’s deregulated electricity market. Duquesne Light is the electric distribution company (EDC) that owns the power lines and meters, but you choose which electric generation supplier (EGS) provides your electricity and at what rate. Suppliers compete for your business, which keeps Pittsburgh rates competitive.
What is the cheapest electricity rate right now?
As of March 8, 2026 @ 9:38 PM CT, the cheapest Pittsburgh electricity rate is 10.3¢/kWh at 1,000 kWh usage, offered by American Power & Gas (American Power & Gas of Pennsylvania LLC 1 - 10.29¢). The average rate across all 122 available plans is 14.2¢/kWh. Rates are updated multiple times daily.
What’s the average monthly electric bill?
At the current average rate of 14.2¢/kWh, a Pittsburgh home using 1,000 kWh/month pays approximately $142/month. Pittsburgh homes average 800-1,000 kWh/month, with summer peaks driven by AC and winter peaks driven by electric heat.
Who delivers electricity in Pittsburgh?
Duquesne Light is the electric distribution company (EDC) for Pittsburgh and southeastern Pennsylvania. Duquesne Light owns and maintains the poles, wires, and meters. For power outages, contact Duquesne Light at 412-393-7000 or visit duquesnelight.com.
What is Duquesne Light’s Price to Compare?
Fixed-rate plans are recommended for most Pittsburgh homes. The region’s cold winters and warm summers mean electricity usage fluctuates, making budget predictability valuable. A fixed rate protects you from wholesale market spikes during both summer heat waves and winter cold snaps.
Fixed or variable — which is smarter?
Pittsburgh commercial electricity is custom-quoted based on your demand profile, usage volume, and contract length. Unlike residential plans, commercial pricing includes demand charges. Pittsburgh businesses in Duquesne Light territory typically save 10-25% by comparing suppliers. Request a free quote at electricchoice.com/business-electricity/.
How do I switch suppliers?
Enroll with a new supplier online or by phone. They handle the Duquesne Light transition — typically takes 1–2 billing cycles, zero interruption.
Who handles power outages?
Duquesne Light at 412-393-7000. They own all power lines in Allegheny County.
Are renewable plans available in Pittsburgh?
Yes. Multiple suppliers offer 100% renewable plans backed by wind and solar energy at competitive prices.
How do Pittsburgh business rates work?
Commercial electricity is custom-quoted based on demand and volume. Pittsburgh’s healthcare and tech concentration drives active supplier competition. Request a free business quote.
Find the Right Pittsburgh Electricity Plan
Enter your ZIP code to compare plans from Pittsburgh suppliers instantly.
Compare Pittsburgh PlansSources & Notices
These are real-time rates from the ElectricChoice.com electric rate and plan marketplace. The inclusion, exclusion, ranking, or naming of any rate, plan, or provider on this page does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Listed rates may or may not account for all plan features, fees, etc. You should review each plan’s disclosure statement and contract terms before enrolling. Last updated: March 8, 2026 @ 9:38 PM CT.