Press Release

PUC Recognizes National “811 Day”

Published on 8/1/2024

Filed under: Electric Gas Pipeline Telecommunications Water and Wastewater

Stresses Importance of Calling 8-1-1 Before Starting Any Digging Project

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is highlighting the importance of safe digging awareness and education in conjunction with the upcoming celebration of “National 811 Day,” which is on August 11^th, or 8/11.

“From property owners to excavators to utilities, we all play a key role in ensuring the safety of excavation projects,” said PUC Commissioner John F. Coleman Jr. “Calling 8-1-1 before starting any type of excavation project is an essential first step – helping to ensure public safety while preventing expensive or dangerous damage to underground utilities.”

Safe digging begins with ensuring that the Pennsylvania One Call system (PA One Call) is contacted at least three business days before any excavation so underground utilities in the project area can be properly located and marked before work begins.

Pennsylvania law requires contractors and residents to contact PA One Call at least three business days prior to excavation – triggering alerts to all utilities and underground facility owners within an intended digging area and prompting utilities to mark where their facilities are located. Pennsylvania homeowners can submit a locate request at no cost by either dialing 8-1-1 or online at pa1call.org, while out-of-state residents or businesses can call 1-800-242-1776.


The PUC’s Damage Prevention Committee and Safety Education

The PUC’s Damage Prevention Committee (DPC) works to enforce the state’s One Call Law, with a focus on education and public awareness, along with the investigation of violations.

The DPC reports that in 2023 the number of investigations into alleged One Call Law violations increased 56 percent – from 462 investigations opened in 2022 to 721 investigations opened in 2023.  During that time period, DPC enforcement activities resulted in the issuance of 3,158 violations and the assessment of nearly $2.5 million in civil penalties.

While the number of cases before the DPC also jumped in 2023 – up 60 percent from 2022 – the DPC also notes that education referrals have continued to rise.  In 2023, the DPC referred 739 parties to education, a substantial increase from 401 education referrals in 2022 and 106 parties referred to education in 2021.

Free resources are available from the PA One Call system to help excavators better understand their responsibilities under the One Call Law – which can also be helpful for homeowners or businesses hiring contractors or working on their own projects. Additionally, PA One Call regularly holds educational events across the state.


“No Calls” Put Everyone At Risk

The DPC continues to stress that the failure of contractors or homeowners to contact 8-1-1 prior to excavation remains a high factor for hits on underground lines in Pennsylvania.  Nationally, approximately 25% of all hits on underground lines are attributed to “no calls.”

“The simple act of picking up the telephone and calling 8-1-1 before the start of any excavation project can go a long way toward eliminating hundreds – or even thousands – of incidents every year,” Commissioner Coleman emphasized. “As the national 811 program clearly states:  Safety is in Your Hands. Every Dig.  Every Time.”

About the PUC

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.

Visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov
• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov