From luxury apartments to senior living communities, Hudson Companies has been building and investing in the Pittsburgh region for decades. Part of its long-term success depends on staying current on evolving residential needs.
Not too long ago, high-speed internet became a standard amenity that factored into renters’ choices. Then came package rooms for secure, convenient delivery of mail and parcels. Now it’s charging infrastructure.
As more renters choose electric vehicles, or EVs, property owners are finding that charging stations are becoming less of a luxury and more of an expected amenity, and even a competitive advantage. To Billy Sullivan, director of construction at Hudson Companies in Pittsburgh, this is a motivator to install charging at their projects.
“At our apartment communities, we want to provide amenities that make everyday life more convenient,” said Sullivan. “On-site EV charging allows residents to charge where they live, reducing the need to make separate trips to public charging stations. It also makes electric vehicle ownership more practical for apartment residents who don’t have their own charger.”
Providing on-site charging allows renters to charge their EVs overnight where they already park, like EV owners who live in single-family homes.
While charging stations provide convenience for residents, they can also create long-term value for property owners. In a competitive rental market, amenities that help attract and retain residents can make a difference in occupancy numbers.
“We see EV charging as an investment in both the resident experience and the property’s long-term appeal,” said Sullivan.
Expanding access to charging also benefits the surrounding community by helping reduce vehicle emissions and improve neighborhood air quality.
Installing charging infrastructure requires property owners to navigate electrical needs, equipment selection and construction timelines. Duquesne Light Company’s (DLC) Electrification Solutions team helps guide that process.
“Their support helps us understand electrical considerations and coordinate the installation with the property’s needs,” Sullivan said.
With DLC’s support, Hudson has installed and connected nearly 30 charging ports across three projects in Pittsburgh since 2024.
DLC’s Electrification Team is seeking project hosts in the multifamily residential, retail and municipal markets as well as offices. If you’re not sure if your property is a fit, reach out at electricvehicles@duqlight.com.
For qualifying projects, DLC’s Community and Fleet Charging Make-Ready programs cover the cost of installing the infrastructure that brings power from the grid to the chargers. DLC can also provide project management for that work as needed.
DLC’s program can result in cutting project costs by as much as half. And DLC can slot in alongside an existing project team or bring on their own team of electrical and construction engineers.
DLC aims to be a reliable, technology-neutral partner in expanding access to EV charging across the Pittsburgh region. That work builds on its 100-year history of supporting the region’s electrification.
For office and retail owners, convenient EV charging can attract tenants and customers. For multifamily properties, it can help attract and retain residents. Together, these investments help prepare the Pittsburgh region for the transportation needs of tomorrow.
Funding closes Dec. 1. Contact DLC’s Electrification Solutions team at electricvehicles@duqlight.com to discuss eligibility and next steps.
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