PPL Electric Utilities and UGI remind customers to call 811 before digging

WILKES-BARRE — In observance of National 811 Day, two area utility companies — PPL Electric and UGI — are reminding customers and contractors to always call 811 before starting any digging project.

In separate news releases from PPL and UGI, the two companies said nothing is more important than ensuring the safety of customers, contractors and employees.

“Safety is at the center of everything we do at PPL Electric Utilities,” said Doug Haupt, Manager of Public Safety at PPL Electric. “Calling 811 before digging is a simple step that helps protect customers, their families, neighbors and utility workers who serve our communities.”

Haupt said whether installing a fence, planting a tree, building a deck or mailbox, or tackling any other excavation project, a free call to 811 can help prevent injuries, power outages and potentially tens of thousands of dollars in damage to critical infrastructure.

He said contacting underground equipment can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $60,000 in repairs, plus another $1,000 to $50,000 in state-issued fines if you damage underground facilities without calling 811 beforehand.

Haupt said Pennsylvania law requires calling 811. After the call is made, underground utility owners are notified and will arrange for utility lines to be marked before excavation begins.

When making an 811 request, PPL customers should be prepared to provide:

• The county and municipality where the digging will occur.

• The street address and street name.

• The nearest intersection or cross street.

• Details about the project, including where the digging will take place on the property, the type of work being performed and the equipment that will be used.

For more information about 811 and safe digging practices, visit pa1call.org.

UGI also offers a reminder

UGI said Aug. 11 is National 8/11 Day, and that calling 811 is a simple, potentially lifesaving phone call or click.

“It is a simple call or click, and it is the law,” said Janet Toporcer, UGI’s Public Safety Administrator. “Calling 811 can prevent costly damage, loss of service, injury, even death. Regardless of the size of the digging project, make the call.”

Toporcer said at least three business days before a shovel hits the ground, call 811 or go to call811.com to get your underground utilities located and marked.

“Having your utility lines marked with paint or flags can help you, or a contractor, avoid unintentionally hitting underground lines,” Toporcer said. “Common underground utility lines include gas, water, sewer, electric, phone, fiber optic, and cable television.”

If a homeowner is doing the work, Toporcer said they should make the call. If a homeowner hires a contractor to do the work, it is up to the contractor to call 811.

The request is free for homeowners and has a small annual fee for contractors. Be prepared when calling 811 and have details on the location of the work, along with the type of work, details on how the work will be done, and the expected duration of the project.

Toporcer said this is also a good time to remind homeowners and contractors to be mindful of the dangers above when working around electric and other above-ground facilities. She said contact with any kind of power line can be deadly.

Visit www.ugi.com/811 or call811.com for more information about safe digging practices, excavation safety, as well as safety training for excavators.

Local journalism matters, and your support makes it possible. You can help sustain this work by making a donation or choosing one of our subscription options. Subscribers enjoy valuable benefits, including full access to our e-edition, a reduced ad experience on timesleader.com, and more.

Your support helps ensure independent, high-quality local news remains available today and for future generations. Thank you for standing with local journalism.

Click for subscription offers.