Press Release

Media Advisory: PUC and PA 1 Call to Promote Safe Digging at PA Safety Day Event

Published on 9/15/2008

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) and Pennsylvania One Call System Inc. (PA 1 Call) will urge residents planning a winterization project that requires digging this fall to dial 8-1-1 to “Know What’s Below.  Call Before You Dig.”

As part of this year’s annual PA 1 Call’s Western PA Safety Day, the PUC and PA 1 Call will remind residents planning to dig to call 8-1-1 at least three business days before beginning any digging or excavation projects, as required by law.  Calling 8-1-1 could help prevent utility service interruptions during the winter months by avoiding line hits that may occur during a digging project.

WHO:             PUC Commissioner Kim Pizzingrilli and PA 1 Call President and Executive Director Bill Kiger

WHAT:           Media event at PA 1 Call’s Western PA Safety Day including a “Know What’s Below” excavation demo

WHEN:          9:45 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008

WHERE:       Cranberry Township Public Works Building, Ernie Mashuda Drive, Cranberry, PA

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.

###

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov