Press Release

PUC Seeks Input on 811 3-Digit Dialing for PA One Call System

Published on 10/27/2005

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater Telecommunications Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission today sought comments for developing an implementation plan for an 811 abbreviated dialing system for access to the state’s One Call notification system for residents to locate underground utility lines before digging.

“The Pennsylvania One Call System provides easy access to all who are excavating, ensuring public safety by preventing damage to buried utilities,” said PUC Chairman Wendell F. Holland. “We are making the system even easier by implementing 811 abbreviated dialing in Pennsylvania as required by the Federal Communications Commission. This will enable residents and companies to dial only three digits to access our One Call System, making the system easier to use.”

The One Call System was established in 1974 and provides a single telephone number for contractors and residents to call. Before digging begins, PA One Call System facilitates contact between those wishing to conduct excavation at a particular location with the owners and operators of underground facilities at the locale, including public utilities. All excavators and residents must contact PA One Call at least three days prior to excavation, as required by law.

Residents should be able to begin dialing 811 following Commission review and subsequent public comment to be filed in response to today’s interim implementation order. Until that time, the toll-free 800 number residents have been using will still be in effect. That number is 800-242-1776. For more information, go to www.pa1call.org.

The federal Pipeline Safety Act of 2002 was designed to strengthen the federal government’s support for One Call programs throughout the United States and established a 3-digit nationwide toll-free telephone number system to be used by states.  With the implementation of the Act, 811 has been assigned for accessing One Call centers, as mandated by the Federal Communications Commission.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as responsible stewards of competition.

For more information about the PUC and additional press releases, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. M-0005____

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