Press Release

PUC and PA One Call Encourage Pennsylvanians to ‘Know What’s Below. Call Before You Dig’ During Summer Projects

Published on 6/19/2008

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

Harrisburg – To promote the importance of safe digging this summer, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) and Pennsylvania One Call System Inc. (PA 1 Call) today reminded Pennsylvanians planning a project that requires digging to “Know What’s Below” by calling 8-1-1.

“The message of safety can be applied to virtually every activity you may do this summer, especially if you’re beginning a construction project at home such as a new fence or backyard deck,” said PUC Commissioner Kim Pizzingrilli.  “Calling 8-1-1 is a simple procedure that you can do to ensure not only your own safety, but the safety of the entire community.  Whether your project is big or small, if you’re planning to dig, you should call 8-1-1.”

“Forty percent of all damages to underground facilities are caused by not calling PA 1 Call,” said Bill Kiger, President and Executive Director of PA 1 Call.  “One simple phone call to 8-1-1 can have a significant impact in reducing damages and injuries within the Commonwealth.  If you plan to excavate in Pennsylvania, please call 8-1-1 at least three business days before you do so.”

The PUC and PA 1 Call joined together at today’s PA 1 Call “Central PA Safety Day” at Harrisburg Area Community College to increase awareness about 8-1-1, an abbreviated dialing system.  In Pennsylvania, homeowners and contractors are required by law to call 8-1-1 at least three business days before using power equipment to make certain underground utility lines are marked.  The PUC provided the regulatory support needed to allow Pennsylvania to join the nation with 8-1-1 abbreviated dialing.  In 2006, the PUC ordered all local telecommunications exchange carriers and other carriers with switching capabilities – including payphone providers – to fully implement 8-1-1 as the abbreviated dialing code to access PA 1 Call.

Last May, the PUC launched statewide radio ads as part of an effort to increase awareness of the new abbreviated dialing.  An informational brochure on the “Know What’s Below.  Call 8-1-1 before you dig” campaign is also available on the PUC Web site under the Consumer Education link.

Pennsylvania One Call System Inc. is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit corporation established in 1972.  Their purpose is to prevent damage to underground facilities.  To promote safety, they provide an efficient, cost-effective communications network among designers, excavators, and facility owners.  Before digging begins, PA 1 Call facilitates contact between those wishing to excavate a particular location with the owners and operators of underground facilities nearby, including public utilities.  All excavators and residents must contact PA 1 Call at least three business days prior to excavation, as required by law.  The service is offered at no cost to homeowners.  For more information, please visit www.PaOneCall.org.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Contact:

• Dan Lucarelli
  PA 1 Call Director of Marketing & Education
  412-464-7129
  djlucarelli@pa1call.org
• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov