Press Release

PUC Recognizes National 811 Day; Reminds Property Owners and Contractors to ‘Call Before You Dig’

Published on 8/11/2015

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater Telecommunications

HARRISBURG – In recognition of “National 811 Day,” the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today reminds all residents, contractors and utilities of the importance of dialing 8-1-1 before digging to help ensure the safety of excavation projects across the state.

“August 11 – or 8/11 – is a handy reminder that a variety of digging projects, small and large, can impact underground utility lines,” said PUC Vice Chairman John F. Coleman Jr. “Whether you are a homeowner installing a deck or planting a new tree, or you are a contractor working on new building or other large-scale project, it is important that utilities be alerted and mark their lines before anyone starts digging.”

Vice Chairman Coleman emphasized the role of the Pennsylvania One Call System (PA One Call), which alerts all utilities within an intended digging area and prompts them to mark where the utilities are located on the property. Pennsylvanians can dial 8-1-1 to connect with the system, while non-Pennsylvania residents can dial 1-800-242-1776.

Hits on underground utility lines pose a danger to workers and residents, and also cause service interruptions, environmental pollution and costly repairs to damaged lines. The PUC’s goal is to reduce the number of these hits in Pennsylvania, which currently occur about 6,000 times per year, and to diminish the risks and costs related to those incidents.

Pennsylvania law requires contractors and residents to contact PA One Call at least three business days prior to excavation. The PA One Call service is provided at no cost to customers. For more information, visit www.pa1call.org/.

Vice Chairman Coleman applauded PA One Call personnel, noting that they are the face of the “Safe Digging” process. The system receives more than 750,000 notifications and transmits more than 6 million notifications per year, providing protection to more than 100,000 excavators and 3,600 critical infrastructure owners.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility.  “Like” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility issues. 

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Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov