Press Release

PUC Approves Plan to Implement 811 3-Digit Dialing for PA One Call System

Published on 12/7/2006

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

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved the plan for implementing an 811 abbreviated dialing system for access to the state’s One Call notification system for residents and businesses to locate underground utility lines before digging.

“I believe that the Commission should be a partner and a leader in this joint effort,” said Commissioner Kim Pizzingrilli. “In order to accomplish comprehensive education about 811, we will work closely with the PA One Call system and utilities to ensure that all Pennsylvanians are aware of how to reach the Commonwealth’s One Call system.”        

“Moving toward 811 abbreviated dialing for the One Call System provides easier access to a system that is designed to ensure public safety by preventing damage to buried utility lines,” said Commission Chairman Wendell F. Holland.

The Commission voted 4-0 to approve a motion by Commissioner Pizzingrilli that implements the three-digit dialing that will be available to the public in April 2007. The plan will be final upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. The Commission plan includes:

• A requirement that telephone companies with switching capabilities, including payphone providers, modify their equipment to translate a call dialed as 811 to PA One Call;
• Direction for all telephone companies, as well as electric, gas, water and wastewater utilities to work with the PUC on an educational message about 811 dialing for inclusion in their April 2007 customers bills;
• Direction for the PUC to work with PA One Call to facilitate the incorporation of messages related to 811 into other existing outreach initiatives; and
• A plan for telecommunications carriers to include information about 811 in their directories.

The One Call System was established in 1974 and provides a single telephone number for contractors and residents to call. Before digging begins, PA One Call System facilitates contact between those wishing to conduct excavation at a particular location with the owners and operators of underground facilities at the locale, including public utilities. All excavators and residents must contact PA One Call at least three days prior to excavation, as required by law.

Residents will be able to begin dialing 811 after April 1, 2007. Until that time, the toll-free 800 number residents have been using will still be in effect. That number is 800-242-1776. For more information, go to www.pa1call.org.

The federal Pipeline Safety Act of 2002 was designed to strengthen the federal government’s support for One Call programs throughout the United States and established a 3-digit nationwide toll-free telephone number system to be used by states.  With the implementation of the Act, 811 has been assigned for accessing One Call centers, as mandated by the Federal Communications Commission.

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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Docket No. M-00051921

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• Press Secretary
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