Safety advice everyone can dig: Make the 811 call

Rhea-AI Summary

PPL Electric Utilities urges homeowners to call 811 before any digging projects to prevent accidents and damage to underground utilities. Pennsylvania law mandates this call at least three business days in advance of excavation, providing a safety measure for both homeowners and utility crews. A survey revealed that while nearly 40% of homeowners plan to dig this year, almost half are unaware of the necessity to call 811. In 2019, there were 532,000 excavation-related damages costing approximately $30 million. PPL Electric Utilities serves over 1.4 million customers in Pennsylvania.

Positive

• PPL Electric Utilities serves over 1.4 million homes and businesses, reinforcing its strong market presence.
• The company emphasizes safety and compliance with Pennsylvania law, enhancing community trust.

Negative

• A significant portion of homeowners remains unaware of the 811 call requirement, posing safety risks.
• 532,000 instances of excavation-related damages were reported in the U.S. in 2019, indicating a widespread issue that could impact PPL's operations.

ALLENTOWN, Pa., April 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Got a spring do-it-yourself project in the works? Planning to add a fence, mailbox or new landscaping on your property?

Make sure you don't go digging for trouble. Always make the free 811 call before starting any project that requires digging. It could save a life.

Calling 811 helps ensure that a crew will visit the work site to mark areas where underground utilities, including underground power lines, exist so that those doing the work will avoid contacting them.  

Pennsylvania law requires an 811 call at least three business days before digging with any power equipment in Pennsylvania. Once the call is placed, a crew is sent out to survey the area and mark with spray paint, flags or other markers where underground utilities – power, water, sewer and gas lines and other utilities – are located.

When calling 811, be prepared to provide the following:

• The county and municipality in which the planned dig is located.
• The street name and address.
• The nearest intersecting/cross street to the address.
• Details of the dig site, including the area of the property where excavation will occur and what kind of work is being done.
• When the project is scheduled to take place.
• The name of the company doing the work (if applicable).

If you see digging going on in your neighborhood and believe the 811 call may not have been placed, make the call yourself to make sure everyone stays safe.

A recent survey by Common Ground Alliance (CGA), an association committed to raising public awareness about underground safety, showed nearly four in 10 homeowners planned to dig on their properties this year, but nearly half did not plan to call 811 before digging.

CGA says there were 532,000 instances of excavation-related damages to underground utilities in the U.S. in 2019. Costs associated with that damage were estimated at $30 million.

"We want to make sure everyone stays safe and avoids injury at sites wherever digging is taking place," said Mark Santayana, public safety manager for PPL Electric Utilities. "The best way to do that is to make that 811 call every time."

PPL Electric Utilities provides electric delivery service to more than 1.4 million homes and businesses in Pennsylvania and ranks among the best utility companies in the country for customer service and reliability. PPL Electric Utilities is a major employer in the communities it serves. It is a subsidiary of PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL). For more information, visit www.pplelectric.com.    

Note to Editors: Visit our media website at www.pplnewsroom.com.

Contact: For news media: Patrick Lester, 610-774-5997, pwlester@pplweb.com
               PPL Electric Utilities

 

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SOURCE PPL Corporation

FAQ

What is the purpose of calling 811 before digging in Pennsylvania?

Calling 811 helps identify and mark underground utilities to prevent accidental damage and ensure safety during excavation.

How many homes does PPL Electric Utilities serve in Pennsylvania?

PPL Electric Utilities provides service to over 1.4 million homes and businesses in Pennsylvania.

What are the consequences of not calling 811 before digging?

Failing to call 811 can lead to accidents, injuries, or damage to underground utilities, potentially resulting in costly repairs.

What did the Common Ground Alliance survey reveal about homeowners and digging projects?

The survey indicated that nearly four in ten homeowners planned to dig but almost half did not intend to call 811 beforehand.

How much did excavation-related damages cost in the U.S. in 2019?

In 2019, excavation-related damages to underground utilities cost approximately $30 million.