Press Release

PUC Marks Pennsylvania One Call Safe Digging Month

Published on 4/16/2009

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater Telecommunications

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voiced support for the proclamation of the Office of Gov. Edward G. Rendell and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in proclaiming April 2009 as PA One Call System (PA One Call) Safe Digging Month. 

“The PA One Call System is an important system which keeps Pennsylvanians safe, reduces utility outages, and promotes public safety in general,” said Commissioner Kim Pizzingrilli.  “Calling PA One Call by dialing 8-1-1 is an easy way to prevent injuries and damage when excavating.” 

Commissioner Pizzingrilli and Commissioner Wayne E. Gardner will also be joining PA One Call at their Eastern PA Safety Day on May 7, at the Kimberton Fire Company, 61 Fire House Lane, in Phoenixville, Chester County. 

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.

April was chosen as Safe Digging Month as Pennsylvanians start many seasonal projects, which involve digging.  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 One Call.

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 One Call facilitates contact between those wishing to excavate a particular location with the owners and operators of underground facilities nearby, including public utilities.  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