Utilities reduce underground infrastructure damage by promoting National 811 Day

(UI) – Friday, Aug. 11, is recognized as National 811 Day, to raise awareness of the importance of making a free call to 811 before any digging project, large or small. For contractors, calling 811 will help ensure that projects involving digging can be done safely while avoiding expensive repairs or fines due to damaging underground utility lines.

Underground utility lines can be shallow, sometimes only a few inches below the surface, so it is important to call 811 before any project that involves digging.

When a call is placed to 811 and a request is made to have lines located and marked, a professional locator will come to your project site to mark the location of underground utility lines, including gas, electric, water, telecom and sewer, free of charge. Knowing where underground lines are buried while you are digging and following safe digging practices will help keep people safe and connected to essential utility services.

In Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E) service area, lines have been damaged due to digging 776 times so far this year. In 58% of those cases, 811 wasn't called. In addition, making a free call to 811 can also save money, as damaging an underground line while digging leads to repair costs averaging $3,500.

"Contractor safety is the main driver behind 811. There are considerable risks around digging without knowing where your lines are located. Striking an underground utility line while digging can be dangerous and lead to expensive repairs. Calling 811 is free, easy and fast. This important step will help keep customers, their family and neighbors safe," said Joe Forline, PG&E Senior Vice President, Gas Operations.

 

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