Ready to dig? During National Safe Digging Month, Duke Energy reminds customers to call 811 first

Rhea-AI Summary

Duke Energy emphasizes the importance of calling 811 before any digging activities to prevent damage to underground utilities. This initiative reflects the company's commitment to safety and community awareness during National Safe Digging Month. In 2019, there were 532,000 excavation-related damage events in the U.S., leading to losses of approximately $30 billion. Duke Energy recorded about 2,800 such incidents in its service area. The company, headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., serves 7.7 million electric customers and distributes natural gas to over 1.6 million customers across six states.

Positive

• Duke Energy emphasizes safety by promoting the 811 hotline, potentially reducing utility damages.
• Duke Energy operates a significant electric generating capacity of 51,000 megawatts, showcasing its robust infrastructure.
• The company's community-focused initiatives enhance public awareness regarding safe digging practices.

Negative

• Duke Energy reported approximately 2,800 damage-causing dig-in events in 2020, indicating potential operational challenges.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Spring is here and people are excited to get outdoors to plant trees, shrubs and flowers, as well as begin those outdoor construction projects that make homes more comfortable.

Can you dig it?

Yes, you can. But first, make an important call to 811, the national "Call Before You Dig" hotline and ask that the underground utilities on your property be properly located and marked.

"Calling 811 before digging anywhere prevents damage to underground utilities, prevents potential personal injury and avoids electric and other utility outages," said Scott Batson, Duke Energy senior vice president and chief distribution officer. "It also helps avoid costly repairs for the offenders."

Calling 811 is a free nationwide service. Contractors, homeowners, businessowners and anyone preparing for a digging project of any kind should call 811 at least three business days before digging begins. The local utilities will then send a crew to mark underground lines in the area (electric, natural gas, water, sewer, phone, cable TV and others) with above-ground stakes, flags or paint, which indicates restricted areas before a customer begins a digging project.

In 2019, the U.S. Common Ground Alliance reported approximately 532,000 excavation-related damage events in the U.S., an increase of 14 percent from 2018, the latest year for which figures are available. Estimated damages in 2019 total approximately $30 billion in direct and indirect losses.

In 2020, Duke Energy reported approximately 2,800 damage-causing dig-in events in its six-state electric service territory.

For more information about the national system and about the 811 office in your state, visit call811.com.

To see a video that shows how to use 811, click here. For additional information, see our story – Call 811 before you start digging.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S. It employs 30,000 people and has an electric generating capacity of 51,000 megawatts through its regulated utilities, and 3,000 megawatts through its nonregulated Duke Energy Renewables unit.

Duke Energy is transforming its customers' experience, modernizing the energy grid, generating cleaner energy and expanding natural gas infrastructure to create a smarter energy future for the people and communities it serves. The Electric Utilities and Infrastructure unit's regulated utilities serve approximately 7.7 million retail electric customers in six states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. The Gas Utilities and Infrastructure unit distributes natural gas to more than 1.6 million customers in five states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The Duke Energy Renewables unit operates wind and solar generation facilities across the U.S., as well as energy storage and microgrid projects.

Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2020 "World's Most Admired Companies" list, and Forbes' 2019 "America's Best Employers" list. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos, videos and other materials. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Media contact: 800.559.3853

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SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

What is the significance of calling 811 according to Duke Energy?

Calling 811 helps prevent damage to underground utilities and avoids costly repairs.

What statistics did Duke Energy share about digging-related damages?

In 2019, there were approximately 532,000 excavation-related damage events in the U.S., with losses estimated at $30 billion.

How many electric customers does Duke Energy serve?

Duke Energy serves approximately 7.7 million retail electric customers across six states.

What capacity does Duke Energy have for electric generation?

Duke Energy has an electric generating capacity of 51,000 megawatts.

What is Duke Energy's focus during National Safe Digging Month?

Duke Energy is focused on raising awareness about safe digging practices to protect utilities and customers.