Press Release

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

Published on 5/7/2009

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

PHOENIXVILLE, Chester County  – In an effort to educate the public on the importance of safe digging during summer projects, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), Pennsylvania One Call System, Inc. (PA One Call) and PECO Energy Co. today reminded residents and contractors planning a project that requires digging to “Know What’s Below” by calling 8-1-1.

PECO Energy Co. presented a photograph to the PUC, featuring the PA One Call message spelled out in lights across the Philadelphia skyline. 

Commissioner Kim Pizzingrilli said, “Using the PA One Call System by dialing 8-1-1 is an easy way to help Pennsylvanians stay safe, reduce utility outages and prevent damage when excavating.  Whether the project is big or small, if you are planning to dig, you should call 8-1-1.” 

"Working together, we can all do our part by continuing to educate the public, utilities and contractors about calling 8-1-1,” said Commissioner Wayne E. Gardner.  “By doing so, we will all contribute to reducing line hits and enhancing public protection."

Bill Kiger, President and Executive Director, Pennsylvania One Call System, Inc., added, “Dial 8-1-1 three business days before you start a digging project.  This simple phone call starts a process that will get the utility companies to mark where their underground lines are located.  Keep yourself and your neighborhood safer and know what’s below.  Call 8-1-1 before you dig.”   

Commissioners Pizzingrilli and Gardner joined PA One Call at the Eastern PA Safety Day today at the Kimberton Fire Company in Phoenixville, Chester County. 

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.

In May 2007, the PUC launched a statewide 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.  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:

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