Press Release

PUC and PA One Call Promote Safe Digging at PA Safety Day Event

Published on 9/18/2008

Filed under: Gas

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Butler County – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) and Pennsylvania One Call System Inc. (PA 1 Call) today joined efforts to remind Pennsylvanians planning a project that requires digging to “Know What’s Below” by calling 8-1-1.

“Digging without calling can disrupt service to an entire neighborhood; and potentially harm you and those around you,” said PUC Commissioner Kim Pizzingrilli.  “Calling 8-1-1 before every digging project gets your underground utility lines marked and helps prevent undesired consequences. If you’re planning a winterization project that requires digging this fall, calling 8-1-1 before beginning the project could prevent a service outage in the winter caused by a damaged line.”

“Thirty-eight percent of all damage to underground utilities is caused by the excavator failing to notify of their intent to excavate,” said Bill Kiger, President and Executive Director of PA 1 Call.  “Safe digging is no accident.  It’s the law and the safest thing to do.”

The PUC and PA 1 Call joined together at today’s PA 1 Call “Western PA Safety Day” at the Cranberry Township Public Works Building 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 beginning any digging or excavation projects 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.

In May 2007, 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