Compare Utility Providers in Pittsburgh, PA

Top 47 Electric Providers in Pittsburgh

Solar in Pittsburgh

Top 26 Natural Gas Providers in Pittsburgh

Top 10 Internet Providers in Pittsburgh

*Not all internet providers and speeds available in all areas.

Water & Sewage Providers in Pittsburgh

Top 9 Trash and Recycling Providers in Pittsburgh

Utilities Summary for Pittsburgh, PA

Electric Companies:	47
Natural Gas Companies:	26
Water & Sewage Providers:	6
Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers:	9
Municipal Electricity:	No

Your Guide to Setting Up Utilities in Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh, the City of Bridges, is a historic and vibrant city in western Pennsylvania is known for its beautiful rivers, diverse neighborhoods, and growing tech and healthcare sectors. Whether you’re settling into a cozy home in Squirrel Hill or a trendy apartment in the Strip District, getting your utilities set up is an essential first step in feeling at home. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about electricity, gas, water, trash, internet, and available assistance programs in Pittsburgh, so you can get connected and start enjoying your new city.

Electricity in Pittsburgh

Electricity in Pittsburgh is delivered by Duquesne Light Company (DLC), which manages the power lines and infrastructure throughout the city. However, Pennsylvania is a deregulated electricity market, which means while Duquesne Light handles distribution, you can choose your electricity generation supplier (retail electric provider). This gives you flexibility to shop for better rates or choose a green energy plan.

Top Electricity Suppliers in Pittsburgh:
Here are some of the top retail electric providers serving Pittsburgh:

• Constellation: Offers fixed-rate and renewable energy plans.
• Direct Energy: Known for plans with free nights/weekends and usage insights via mobile app.
• Energy Harbor: Provides 100% renewable and nuclear-backed options with competitive rates.
• Tomorrow Energy: Focuses exclusively on renewable energy plans.
• Public Power: Offers both short- and long-term fixed rate options.

Tips for Choosing a Supplier:

• Look for fixed-rate plans if you want billing stability.
• Consider renewable energy options if sustainability is important to you.
• Check contract length and early termination fees.

Duquesne Light offers energy efficiency rebates and programs through its Watt Choices initiative. These include discounts or rebates on:

• ENERGY STAR® appliances
• LED lighting
• Smart thermostats
• Home energy audits

DLC has also committed to increasing its clean energy investments and grid modernization efforts. They’re a partner of local sustainability programs and provide helpful energy-saving tips on their website.

Natural Gas in Pittsburgh

Peoples Gas is the primary natural gas distribution company in Pittsburgh, handling pipeline maintenance and meter readings. Columbia Gas also distributes gas to certain areas of Pittsburgh. Like electricity, natural gas in Pennsylvania is deregulated, so you can choose a separate gas supplier (retail natural gas provider) while Peoples continues to deliver the gas.

Peoples Gas also offers energy-saving programs, including:

• Rebates for energy-efficient natural gas furnaces and water heaters
• Free weatherization services for income-qualified residents
• Low-income energy assistance through the Customer Assistance Program (CAP)

Top Natural Gas Suppliers in Pittsburgh:

• Xoom Energy: Offers variable and fixed-rate plans, with some renewable gas offerings.
• Shipley Energy: Provides fixed-rate plans and budget billing.
• Direct Energy: Natural gas plans often bundled with electricity or smart home tech.
• Spark Energy: Offers competitive rates with straightforward pricing.

Tips for Choosing a Natural Gas Provider:

• Compare delivery vs. supply rates to understand your full bill.
• Look for no-fee or short-term options if you’re unsure of your long-term stay.

Water and Sewer in Pittsburgh

Water and sewer services in Pittsburgh are managed by the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA). They supply drinking water, manage wastewater and stormwater, and maintain aging infrastructure that’s gradually being modernized.

PWSA offers helpful customer tools, including:

• An online portal for billing and usage tracking
• Lead line replacement programs for older homes
• Water conservation tips and minor plumbing repair assistance

Water Conservation Tips from PWSA:

• Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators
• Use rain barrels to collect water for outdoor use
• Check toilets and faucets for leaks regularly

Trash and Recycling Services

Trash and recycling pickup is handled by the City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Public Works – Environmental Services Division. Standard residential collection includes weekly trash pickup and bi-weekly recycling.

You’ll receive free curbside recycling, but you’ll need to follow city guidelines on what’s accepted. Pittsburgh also offers special collections for bulk waste and seasonal yard debris.

Key Services Include:

• Weekly curbside garbage collection
• Every-other-week single-stream recycling
• Special pickups for bulk items (by request)
• Drop-off centers for electronics and hazardous waste

Helpful Tips:

• Use only city-approved blue recycling bags.
• Place items curbside by 6 a.m. on collection day.
• Visit pittsburghpa.gov/dpw for route lookup and collection calendars.

Best Internet Providers in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh has a competitive internet market with fiber, cable, and wireless options available throughout the city. Whether you need ultra-fast speeds for remote work or just reliable browsing, you’ll find solid options.

Top Internet Providers in Pittsburgh:

• Xfinity: Widely available, over 99% of the city, they offer high-speed cable internet with speeds up to 2 Gbps, often bundled with TV or phone.
• Verizon Fios: Also widely available throughout 93% of Pittsburgh, offering fiber internet with symmetrical upload/download speeds up to 2.3 Gbps, known for excellent reliability.
• T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: Great for renters or light users; plug-and-play setup with no wires.

When choosing, compare not just speeds, but also:

• Equipment rental or installation fees
• Data caps and throttling policies
• Customer service reviews
• Bundled discounts with mobile or TV

Green Energy and Conservation in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh has made notable strides in embracing green energy. The city has pledged to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2035, and many utility providers offer sustainable programs to help residents lower their carbon footprint.

Green Options Include:

• Community solar programs: Allows renters and homeowners to support solar without installing panels.
• Duquesne Light’s renewable plans: Many REPs offer 100% wind or solar plans.
• PWSA rain garden incentives: Helps with stormwater runoff management.

Additionally, many homes are eligible for energy audits through DLC’s Watt Choices or Peoples Gas efficiency programs, ideal for identifying air leaks, insulation gaps, and inefficient appliances.

Financial Assistance Programs

Utility bills can be burdensome, but Pittsburgh residents have access to several local, state, and provider-specific assistance programs designed to help.

City & State Assistance:

• LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Helps cover heating costs in winter. Apply through the PA Department of Human Services.
• Dollar Energy Fund: Works with DLC, Peoples Gas, and PWSA to offer one-time grants to help with overdue bills.
• CAP Programs: Available through Duquesne Light and Peoples Gas to offer discounted monthly rates for income-eligible residents.
• Hardship Funds: From each utility provider for short-term assistance during emergencies.
• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Free upgrades to improve energy efficiency in income-qualified homes.

For water bills, PWSA offers:

• Bill Discount Program: 20% off water usage and all stormwater charges for income-qualified customers.
• Winter Shutoff Moratorium: Prevents disconnections from December through March.

You can also call PA 211 or visit pa211sw.org to be connected with local utility and housing support programs.

Pittsburgh Internet Connectivity

Fastest Internet Providers in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Drinking Water Quality Information

Clean drinking water is essential for maintaining good health and overall well-being. Safe, contaminant-free water helps prevent the spread of diseases, supports proper hydration, and ensures the body's vital functions operate smoothly.