DQE Duquesne LT Hldgs

Duquesne Light Teams With Pittsburgh Shade Tree Commission and Other Partners for Tree Plantings PITTSBURGH, April 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- History will repeat itself this Friday, April 28, as students of Philip Murray School in Mt. Oliver will plant a number of trees in honor of Arbor Day, just as Nebraska City students did to commemorate the first official celebration of the day 121 years ago. The school, with grades K-7, will participate in a series of outdoor sessions where students will learn about tree care and planting, take part in a related art program, and learn the history and significance of Arbor Day and tree identification. They will have the assistance of more than 25 Duquesne Light Company (NYSE:DQE) employee volunteers as well as representatives of Conservation Consultants, Inc., the Pittsburgh Shade Tree Commission, Pittsburgh City Schools, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, and the City of Pittsburgh Public Works - Forestry Division. Pittsburgh Mayor Bob O'Connor will speak at a short program that begins at 10 a.m. The idea of students planting trees on Arbor Day dates back to its first celebration as a legal holiday in 1885 in Nebraska. At that time, students of different grades met at their respective schoolrooms for the purpose of planting at least one tree. Each tree that was planted was labeled with the grade and the time planted. The children also took responsibility for the care of "their" trees. "Tree planting is a way to reintroduce young people to the environment around them," said Jennifer Arkett, Duquesne Light manager of vegetation management. "Trees are an important part of our lives. They are in our neighborhoods and parks, a part of the urban as well as the suburban landscape. Arbor Day celebrations remind us of their contribution to the quality of our lives, and to the aesthetic value of our neighborhoods." Duquesne Light has an active vegetation management group, which advises Pittsburgh area residents on proper tree selection for the yard and areas near existing utility lines. For the eighth consecutive year, the company has earned the Tree Line USA award. The National Arbor Day Foundation bestows the Tree Line USA award to utilities that provide quality tree care, annual worker training, and tree planting and public education. Again this year, the company is working in conjunction with the City of Pittsburgh, which recently received the distinction of being named a Tree City USA, also from the National Arbor Day Foundation. Obtaining the Tree City designation has been a long time goal of the Pittsburgh Shade Tree Commission. "We are very pleased to have finally achieved that status since it reminds people that trees are a critical element of the quality of life in Pittsburgh and a point of community pride," said Diana Aimes, commission chair. This is the first time the city has received the award, which is given to cities that meet standards established to ensure that a qualifying community has a viable tree management plan and program. People who are planning to plant a tree in observance of Arbor Day should choose the right tree for the location. "Be sure to look up to make sure no utility wires are running overhead, or chose a tree that won't grow into the wires," said Arkett. Individuals also are reminded to verify the location of underground utilities when digging. For information on which trees to plant in one's yard or community, please contact Duquesne Light's Call Center at 1-888-393-7100. About Duquesne Light Company Duquesne Light Company is a leader in the transmission and distribution of electric energy, offering superior customer service and reliability to more than half a million customers in southwestern Pennsylvania. DATASOURCE: Duquesne Light Company CONTACT: Joe Balaban of Duquesne Light Company, +1-412-232-6848

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