Riazzi Named President and CEO of Duquesne Light Company

PITTSBURGH, June 30 /PRNewswire/ --The Board of Directors of DQE Holdings LLC (DQE) has selected Richard Riazzi as President and Chief Executive Officer of Duquesne Light Company, Duquesne Light Holdings, Inc., and DQE.  Riazzi is a Pittsburgh native and is currently CEO and General Manager of the Chelan County Public Utility District in the state of Washington.

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Riazzi grew up in McKeesport, earned bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Pittsburgh, and early in his career, worked as a pipe fitter for Peoples Gas Company.  He also worked for Equitable Gas Company in several customer-facing management positions, focusing on gas and energy marketing.  Riazzi led the energy generation, marketing and trading operations for Idaho Power (IDACORP, Inc.) and since 2006, has been in his position with Chelan County Public Utility District, a wholesale generator and retail distributor of electric power in central Washington State.

"Rich Riazzi brings a strong record of leadership in the regulated electric business and therefore fits the board's criteria for the next CEO of Duquesne Light," said Andrew Chapman, interim CEO.  "His most recent success with Chelan County shows he knows what is required for a utility to effectively serve its customers and be a positive force in the communities it serves.  The fact that he's from Pittsburgh is an added bonus."

"I am delighted to be returning to Pittsburgh and joining the Duquesne Light team," said Riazzi.  "Being a native of the area, I know the long and storied history of Duquesne Light and am looking forward to helping continue the company's dedication to the region."

Riazzi will officially begin his new duties at Duquesne Light August 2.

SOURCE DQE Holdings LLC