Press Release

PUC Highlights National 8-1-1 Day – Reinforces Safe Digging Message and Worker Safety

Published on 8/11/2025

Filed under: Consumer Education Electric Gas Pipeline Telecommunications Water and Wastewater

Commission Underscores Importance of Protecting Communities, Infrastructure, and Utility Field Crews

HARRISBURG – As the nation observes National 8-1-1 Day, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is reminding homeowners, contractors, and businesses that safe digging starts with a simple — but vital — step: contacting 8-1-1 before beginning any excavation project.

“Every digging project, no matter how small, carries risk,” said PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank. “Contacting 8-1-1 isn’t just a recommendation — it’s the law. More importantly, it’s the most effective way to prevent injuries, protect property, and ensure the safety of utility workers and emergency responders.”

A Clear and Simple Message: Know What’s Below

The PA One Call system is intended to reduce risks by ensuring that utility companies mark underground lines — including electric, gas, water, sewer, and telecommunications — before any digging takes place.

Under state law, all excavation work must be preceded by a call to 8-1-1 at least three business days in advance.

Each year, the PUC’s Damage Prevention Committee (DPC) hears hundreds of cases involving damaged underground lines — the vast majority of which could have been avoided by following proper 8-1-1 protocols.

Common risk factors include:

• Failure to contact 8-1-1 before digging;
• Improper or careless excavation methods;
• Inaccurate or unverified utility markings;
• Contractors requesting homeowners to place 8-1-1 tickets on their behalf — which is prohibited under Pennsylvania law.

 “Digging without proper notification can have devastating consequences — including explosions, fires, and service outages,” Chairman DeFrank noted. “It also puts utility workers and nearby residents at unnecessary risk.”

Reinforced by Law – Act 127 of 2024

Pennsylvania strengthened its Underground Utility Line Protection Law with the passage of Act 127 of 2024, signed by Governor Josh Shapiro. The law reauthorized and expanded the PUC’s enforcement authority and emphasized greater accountability across the board.

Key provisions include:

• Mandatory reporting of alleged violations by all stakeholders;
• Faster response timelines for facility owners and excavators;
• Escalating penalties for unresolved violations;

“These updated provisions help ensure that everyone involved in digging projects — homeowners, contractors, designers, and facility owners — takes safety seriously and understands their responsibilities,” said DeFrank.

Real Consequences – Real Lives at Risk

In a recent high-profile case, the PUC’s Safety Division filed complaints against both a natural gas utility and a contractor following a gas line strike at a Harrisburg home that resulted in a devastating explosion. The investigation found violations of the state’s 8-1-1 law — illustrating how dangerous it can be when required procedures are ignored.

Take These Steps Before You Dig

To reduce risk and stay in compliance with Pennsylvania law:

• Call 8-1-1 at least three business days before starting any digging project;
• Wait for the marks – utilities will mark lines free of charge;
• Verify all utilities are marked before work begins;
• Dig with care and respect the markings;
• Make sure your contractor places the call – they must submit their own ticket under state law.

For more information, visit www.pa811.org or dial 8-1-1. Out-of-state callers can reach the PA One Call System at 1-800-242-1776.

Protecting Utility Workers – A National Priority

Chairman DeFrank also pointed to growing national attention on the need to protect utility field workers, who are often among the first responders when underground lines are damaged. At the Summer Policy Summit of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), a resolution on field crew safety was adopted by the NARUC Committee on Gas, chaired by DeFrank and including PUC Commissioner Kathryn L. Zerfuss, and later approved by the NARUC Board of Directors, which includes both Chairman DeFrank and PUC Vice Chair Kimberly Barrow.

“This resolution affirms the vital role that utility field crews play in maintaining safe and reliable service — and highlights how 8-1-1 compliance is a shared responsibility that directly impacts their safety,” DeFrank emphasized.

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 puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X, 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