08/11/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/11/2022 08:38
PG&E Joins in Recognizing National 811 Day to Help Protect Customer Safety
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, Aug. 11, is National 811 Day and Pacific Gas and Electric Company is joining together with utilities across the country to help spread the word about the risks of digging at any depth without placing a free call to 811 to have all underground gas, electric, and other service lines marked prior to starting any digging project.
Customers, contractors and anyone planning to dig at any depth, should place a toll-free call to the free 811 service a minimum of two business days prior to starting the project. Utility workers will respond to the call at no cost to the customer to locate and mark the location of underground lines. Making the free call will help avoid safety incidents including injuries, property damage, and costly repairs.
"Calling 811 is free, easy and fast, and will help you keep your family and neighbors safe and connected to essential utility services. Hitting an underground gas or electric line while digging can be dangerous. Knowing where the lines are located, so that digging can be done safely in those areas, is the best way to avoid a safety incident and avoid costs associated with repair," said Joe Forline, Senior Vice President, PG&E Gas Operations.
Underground utility lines can be shallow, sometimes only a few inches below the surface, due to erosion, previous digging projects, shifting or settling of the ground and uneven surfaces. And damaging an underground utility line while digging is expensive, with repairs averaging $3,500. A call to 811 is the best safeguard and the first line of defense to help keep your family and neighbors safe, and to avoid expensive repairs.
So far this year (Jan.-July 2022), throughout PG&E's service area of Northern and Central California:
Calling 811 is Fast and Free:
PG&E Safe Digging Tips:
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com/ and http://www.pge.com/about/newsroom/.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220811005528/en/
MEDIA RELATIONS:
415-973-5930
Source: Pacific Gas and Electric Company