Duke Energy is asking customers and excavators to call 811 at least three business days before starting any outdoor project that requires digging.
National Safe Digging Day (also known as 811 Day) on Aug. 11 is an annual reminder to call 811 to protect the nation’s underground utility infrastructure, prevent potential injury and avoid electric outages.
Pinegar
“Whether it’s a simple job like planting a tree or starting a major construction project, every time you plan to dig, you need to call 811 first,” Duke Energy President Stan Pinegar said. “Striking and damaging a utility line can be dangerous and expensive and is easily avoidable by having underground infrastructure properly marked.”
Dial before you dig
The national “811 Call Before You Dig” system was created so anyone who plans to dig can have underground utility lines clearly marked by making a free call. Contractors, homeowners, business owners and anyone preparing for a digging project 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 stakes, flags or paint.
Digging through the damage data
From January to June 2024, Duke Energy reported damage to nearly 125 electric lines in its Indiana service territory.
“We are committed to the safety and reliability of our utility lines, and safety starts with a free call to 811,” Pinegar added. “We hope everyone enjoys their time outside working on yard and landscaping projects and remembers to dial 811 before they dig.”
For additional information about 811, click here. To contact the 811 center in your state, dial 811 or visit call811.com.