-
Q: Will the proposed transmission line upgrade benefit me directly?
A: If you are a Duquesne Light customer, the proposed transmission line upgrade will benefit you by increasing the transfer capability of bulk power to improve system reliability and making cost effective generation available to more customers within Allegheny County. The proposed upgrades to Highland and Logan’s Ferry Substations will provide sufficient power to meet the future needs of customers within northeastern Allegheny County. The replacement of this old and overloaded 69kV line is necessary to minimize the possibility of sustained power outages to customers that receive power directly or indirectly from either of these substations. (See the Need Statement for additional information)
Back to the Top
-
Q: Does Duquesne Light permit buildings within their right of way?
A: The National Electric Safety Code provides minimum vertical and horizontal clearance requirements to buildings and other structures. Duquesne Light right of way restricts buildings or obstructions that may interfere with the safe and reliable operation of the line or restricts access to the line. Duquesne Light typically avoids constructing transmission lines over occupied dwellings, however the construction of dwellings within the right of way have been permitted when they meet the necessary clearance requirements. (See the Submit Questions Link to inquire on specific locations)
Back to the Top
-
Q: What is Duquesne Light’s policy on right of way clearing?
A: Duquesne Light manages vegetation on and along side of its rights-of-way using industry best practices for the safe and reliable operation of its facilities. Trees and shrubs on the rights-of-way floor must be utility compatible meaning their mature height allowance is based on the height of the conductors at it lowest potential position. In most cases, vegetation located beneath or aside of the conductors are limited to a mature height of 10 feet above ground level. Plants exceeding compatible heights must be removed or pruned to meet necessary clearance requirements. For more information on utility compatible plant species, please use the Contact Us link on this website and send your request or question to Vegetation Management.
Back to the Top
-
Q: Are there any health effects associated with the increased voltage of the proposed transmission line?
A: Duquesne Light Company does not believe that there is any health danger associated with the increased voltage of the proposed transmission line and that electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) from the line do not pose a health risk to customers, employees or other persons within its service territory. More health effect information.
Back to the Top
-
Q: Concerning EMF, what are the expected changes in EMF levels for the proposed line? Also, will the voltage be increased on the proposed line in the future?
A: Duquesne Light has completed a study that calculated the projected change in the EMF levels between the proposed 138kV line and the existing 69kV line. The study shows that the 138kV line magnetic field levels are about one-half (1/2) those of the 69kV line. The study also shows that the electric field level of the 138kV line is about the same as that of the 69kV line in the vicinity of the line (within 15-ft. of the centerline) and is less than that of the 69kV line as you move away from the vicinity of the centerline.
Duquesne Light has no plans to increase the voltage of the proposed 138kV transmission line in the future. More EMF field level information.
Back to the Top
-
Q: Will the new line interfere with my radio and TV reception?
A: Radio and TV interference is not expected to be an issue for the proposed 138kv transmission line. In fact, Duquesne Light has years of experience operating 138kv lines in residential areas without problems. More corona effect information.
Back to the Top
-
Q: Can Duquesne Light provide web sites where I can obtain information regarding Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF)?
A: The following links provide the most up to date answers on research for EMF.
Back to the Top
-
Q: How will my property be affected?
A: Except during construction, there should be no noticeable difference on your property. If you presently have a tower on your property, it will be removed and replaced by new steel pole. If there are no structures on your property now, none will be installed during the project. Disturbances to the property during construction will be repaired and the ground will be restored to its condition prior to the construction.
Back to the Top
-
Q: Will you be purchasing additional right of way for the upgrade?
A: Duquesne Light does not anticipate purchasing any additional right of way for this project. The new construction will be located within the existing rights of way that Duquesne Light has owned for over 75 years.
Back to the Top
-
Q: How do I submit a Question to be answered?
A: If you have a question that is not answered in the FAQ page, then select Contact Us to submit it.
Back to the Top