Duquesne Light Outages: Pittsburgh Faces Historic Power Disruption After Severe Storms

On April 29, 2025, Pittsburgh and its surrounding areas experienced one of the most severe weather events in recent history. Hurricane-force winds reaching up to 90 mph swept through Allegheny and Beaver counties, causing extensive damage and leaving over 240,000 Duquesne Light customers without power. Duquesne Light Company

The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that the wind speeds were more powerful than many of the EF0 and EF1 tornadoes typically seen in the region. The storms uprooted trees, downed power lines, and even caused a power pole to catch fire. The widespread damage has been described as unprecedented in Duquesne Light Company’s history.

Duquesne Light’s Response and Restoration Efforts

In response to the comrehensive outages, Duquesne Light Company (DLC) has mobilized all available crews and requested mutual assistance from utility peers to aid in restoration efforts. The company is working around the clock to assess the damage and restore electric service. However, due to the rapidity of the weather and the extensive nature of the damage, assessments and estimated restoration times may be delayed.

DLC has emphasized the importance of safety during this time. Customers are urged to stay away from fell wires broken poles, and other safety hazards. Any such hazards should be reported to DLC’s emergency number at 888-393-7000. Additionally, customers can report outages and check the status of restoration efforts through DLC’s website or mobile app

The power outages have had a important impact on the community. Many residents have been left without electricity, affecting daily life and raising concerns about safety and well-being. The outages have also led to the closure of multiple school districts, including Gateway, Armstrong, and Baldwin-Whitehall, as cleanup efforts begin.

Duquesne Light Company has provided the following safety reminders for the public:

Avoid Downed Wires: Stay at least 30 feet away from fell power lines and report them immediately.
Use Flashlights: Use battery-operated lanterns or flashlights for emergency lighting instead of candles to prevent fire hazards.
Preserve Food: Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food during outages.
Generator Safety: Operate generators outdoors and away from buildings to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
Check on Neighbors: Assist elderly and vulnerable neighbors who may need additional help during the outage