PECO reminder: Call before you dig

Posted by Press Release on April 7, 2016

April is National Safe Digging Month, and PECO wants to remind all customers and contractors to call 811 to have utility-owned underground lines marked before digging.

Nationwide, there were nearly 350,000 incidents of damage to an underground utility line because of digging without first calling 811, according to the Common Ground Alliance, the national association that promotes the 811 phone number and safe digging practices, according to a PECO press release.

Striking an underground electric line or natural gas pipe can cause serious injury, damages and service interruptions. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call to 811. Installing a mailbox, building a deck, planting a tree and laying a patio are all examples of digging projects where a call to 811 should be one of the first steps.

PECO has nearly 9,000 miles of underground electric lines, 12,000 miles of natural gas distribution and service lines, and 30 miles of natural gas transportation lines buried throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. In addition to PECO’s lines, there are underground communications cables, water and sewer lines, and other utilities. Even properties that are not served by a particular service may still have utility lines running below ground.

When calling 811, customers and contractors are connected to PA One Call to provide information about their project. PA One Call will notify PECO and all member utilities of your plan to dig. The utilities will then mark their underground facilities. Calls are required at least three business days in advance of digging.

Once lines are located, excavators also must understand the markings and look for evidence of unmarked lines, such as water and sewer lines on private property. Sewer clean-outs and water valve covers are examples of equipment that can indicate the presence of underground lines.

PECO works hard to ensure the safety of its customers, contractors and employees. As part of this effort, the company will launch a public safety advertising campaign to educate those who work around aerial and underground power lines during the next few months. To learn more, visit www.peco.com/safety.