West Mifflin Celebrates Launch of Electric Vehicle Fleet Charging

FIRST MUNICIPAL CUSTOMER TO COMPLETE THE EV INSTALL AS PART OF DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY’S FLEET CHARGING PROGRAM

May 8, 2023

Duquesne Light Company (DLC) joined West Mifflin officials on March 16 for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the addition of six electric vehicle (EV) charging ports to the borough’s administration building. ​ 

West Mifflin is the first municipal customer to complete this time and money saving EV charging installation through DLC’s Fleet Charging program. The new EV chargers are available for public use in addition to supporting the borough’s growing electric fleet, which includes two Chevy Bolts used for code enforcement and an all-electric Ford Lightning F-150 used by the police force.

"This is a culmination of a lot of work from a lot of folks, who are quite frankly visionaries," DLC President and CEO Kevin Walker said. "It's really impressive to see the commitment and leadership in efficiency, to the planet and your residents here in West Mifflin. It's really a showcase for other communities to follow."

DLC's vision of a larger than light, clean energy future for all is bolstered by partnerships with local governments. As a trusted energy partner in the region, those relationships are essential to ensuring that everyone is included on the journey.

Since energizing the charging stations on Dec. 30, West Mifflin has mitigated approximately 1,479 kg of greenhouse gas emissions, which is the equivalent of planting 38 trees and letting them grow for ten years. ​ 

"Duquesne Light has laid out a roadmap for us for the next 10 to 30 years as we begin to convert the bulk of our fleet from gas to powered vehicles to electric vehicles," said West Mifflin council Vice President Michael Moses. "They've worked with all of our departments to plan out how we can make this transition into the electric future."

The event was also attended by West Mifflin Mayor Chris Kelly, borough Manager Brian Kamauf, Allegheny County Councilman Bob Macey, state Sen. James Brewster and state Rep. Nick Pisciottano. They were joined by Walker and DLC Vice President of Corporate Strategy Brian Guzek.

"Duquesne Light has been extraordinary through this whole process. I think we helped create a nice program, in working with them, to help other municipalities start (electrifying their fleets)," Kamauf said.

By electrifying a portion of its fleet over the coming years, West Mifflin can save up to $1.4 million on total vehicle ownership costs – including $900,000 in fuel savings alone – and eliminate approximately 7,000 tons of carbon dioxide over the next 30 years. ​ 

"I recommend that all municipalities that have the opportunity to work with Duquesne Light to take advantage of (the fleet charging program). They've been an incredible resource. Not just for West Mifflin, but all of southwestern Pennsylvania," Moses said.

DLC is continuing work with several partners throughout the electric utility's service territory, including other municipalities like Ambridge, Bellevue and Oakmont.