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Greater Pittsburgh Area -- 2026 Guide
Duquesne Light's Watt Choices program provides Act 129 energy efficiency rebates for approximately 600,000 customers in Allegheny and Beaver counties. This guide covers all available heat pump, HPWH, and smart thermostat rebates.
Updated February 2026
Duquesne Light Watt Choices is the Act 129 energy efficiency program serving customers in Allegheny and Beaver counties -- the greater Pittsburgh area. While it is the smallest territory of PA's three major EDCs (serving approximately 600,000 customers, about 14% of PA), it covers one of the state's most important energy markets.
Pittsburgh has significant natural gas heating infrastructure, making it a prime market for gas-to-heat-pump conversions. With electric rates at approximately $0.15/kWh -- the middle of PA's three major utilities -- heat pump operating costs are very competitive. Duquesne Light rebates are lower than PECO and PPL, but the favorable rate environment partially offsets this.
Watt Choices is funded through a ratepayer surcharge on Duquesne Light electric bills. Like PECO and PPL, the program is part of Act 129 Phase V, which runs through May 31, 2026. PA is a deregulated market -- even if you buy electricity from a competitive supplier, you receive rebates from Duquesne Light as your distribution company.
All available Duquesne Light rebates for residential customers under Act 129 Phase V.
ENERGY STAR certified, minimum 15 SEER2 / 8.8 HSPF2. Replaces existing heating system.
ENERGY STAR certified, minimum 15 SEER2. Per indoor unit.
ENERGY STAR certified, minimum UEF 2.0. Replaces electric resistance water heater.
ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat. One per household.
Discounted ENERGY STAR LEDs at participating retailers in Allegheny and Beaver counties.
Duquesne Light Watt Choices vs PECO Smart Ideas vs PPL E-Power.
| Program | Ducted HP | Mini-Split | HPWH | Thermostat | EAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PECO Smart Ideas | $500 | $300 | $200 | $50 | +$1,400 max |
| PPL E-Power | $400 | $250 | $150 | -- | No |
| Duquesne Watt ChoicesThis page | $350 | $200 | $150 | $25 | No |
Duquesne Light serves Allegheny and Beaver counties (greater Pittsburgh area). Check your electric bill.
Select ENERGY STAR certified equipment meeting minimum efficiency thresholds.
Get quotes from licensed PA HVAC contractors. No specific contractor list required.
Keep all receipts, invoices, and equipment documentation.
Apply at duquesnelight.com/energy-money-saving or call 412-393-7100.
Rebate processed within 6-10 weeks as bill credit or check.
Pittsburgh and the surrounding Allegheny County have deep roots in natural gas heating. Many homes rely on older gas furnaces that operate at 80-90% efficiency. Modern cold-climate heat pumps achieve 250-400% effective efficiency (COP 2.5-4.0), making them significantly more efficient even at Pittsburgh winter temperatures.
While the Duquesne Light rebate is the lowest of PA's three major utilities, the favorable electric rate ($0.15/kWh) makes heat pump operating costs attractive for Pittsburgh area homeowners. With no federal 25C tax credit available in 2026, the Act 129 rebate is your primary incentive. Gas-heated homes should evaluate the full lifecycle savings, not just the rebate amount.
Watt Choices is Duquesne Light's Act 129 energy efficiency program serving residential and commercial customers in Allegheny and Beaver counties (greater Pittsburgh area). It offers rebates on heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, smart thermostats, LED lighting, and appliance recycling. Watt Choices is funded through a ratepayer surcharge on Duquesne Light electric bills.
Duquesne Light offers $350 for ducted air-source heat pumps and $200 per indoor unit for ductless mini-split heat pumps. Equipment must be ENERGY STAR certified with a minimum of 15 SEER2 / 8.8 HSPF2. These are the lowest heat pump rebates among PA's three major utilities (PECO offers $500/$300, PPL offers $400/$250).
No. The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) stacking benefit is unique to PECO. Duquesne Light customers do not have access to additional income-eligible rebate stacking through Watt Choices. However, Duquesne Light customers can still qualify for statewide LIHEAP and WAP income-eligible programs.
No. The federal Section 25C energy efficiency tax credit expired December 31, 2025 and provides $0 in 2026. The Duquesne Light Watt Choices rebate is the primary incentive available for Pittsburgh area homeowners.
Duquesne Light serves approximately 600,000 customers in Allegheny County (which includes Pittsburgh) and Beaver County. This is the smallest service territory of PA's three major EDCs. If you live outside these two counties, you are served by either PECO or PPL Electric.
After installing ENERGY STAR certified equipment, submit a rebate application online at duquesnelight.com/energy-money-saving or call 412-393-7100. Include proof of purchase, model and serial numbers, and contractor invoice. Applications must be submitted within 90 days of installation. Rebates are processed within 6-10 weeks as a bill credit or check.
Yes. Pittsburgh has significant gas heating infrastructure, so there is a strong conversion opportunity from gas furnaces to heat pumps. With Duquesne Light rates at approximately $0.15/kWh, heat pump operating costs are very competitive. Climate Zone 5 temperatures are manageable for modern cold-climate heat pumps. The Watt Choices rebate helps offset upfront costs, though it is smaller than PECO's.
No. Duquesne Light does not require a utility-specific contractor list. Any licensed PA HVAC contractor can install qualifying equipment. The key requirements are ENERGY STAR certification and meeting minimum efficiency thresholds (15 SEER2 / 8.8 HSPF2 for heat pumps, UEF 2.0 for HPWH).
NuWatt Energy provides this guide as an educational resource. All rebate amounts and eligibility details are sourced from Duquesne Light and the PA PUC. Verify current availability by contacting Duquesne Light directly at 412-393-7100 or visiting duquesnelight.com.
Complete overview of all three PA utility programs.
$300-$500/unit + EAP stacking up to $1,400 additional.
$250-$400/unit for eastern and central PA homeowners.
LIHEAP, WAP, and EAP for low-income PA households.
Full cost breakdown by system type after utility rebates.
Honest ROI analysis for gas-heated Pittsburgh homes.
Contact Duquesne Light directly or reach out to NuWatt Energy for help navigating the Watt Choices application process.