CAYCE, S.C. – Spring is here, and South Carolinians are seeing the usual increase in construction and home improvement projects that involve digging. In recognition of National Safe Digging Month, Dominion Energy reminds the public to follow the law and protect public safety by calling 811 three full business days before any planned excavation work.

When someone calls 811, utility companies dispatch professional locators to mark underground electric and natural gas lines with flags or paint at no charge. Utilities have three full working days to mark the area requested.

There are three easy and convenient ways to contact South Carolina 811:

• Dial 811 or call 1-888-721-7877. Both are toll free.
• Visit SC811.com to submit a utility marking request online.
• Download the free South Carolina 811 app for Apple or Android mobile devices.

“Safety is our top priority, and we consider our community members partners in preventing damage to our electric and natural gas lines,” said Greg McGlohorn, general manager of gas operations for Dominion Energy South Carolina. “Every digging project, no matter how big or small, requires a call to 811. Whether you’re planting a home garden or installing a fence, calling before you dig is the best way to keep our communities safe. We saw a 25% percent drop in damage last year, and we need to keep that momentum going,” he continued. “This year, we’re introducing innovative ways to help predict and prevent damages, along with continuing our education efforts.”

To continue progress on damage prevention, this year Dominion Energy will pilot several new technologies, including:

• A new damage-prevention app for employees. This application allows the company to more easily identify and report excavators that may not be authorized to dig. If unauthorized digging activity is found, a frontline employee can intervene and instruct the excavator to call 811.
• Artificial intelligence to predict and prevent damages. This program uses predictive analysis to identify high-risk excavation jobs. This allows the company’s frontline workers to proactively intervene at excavation sites that are the most likely to cause damage.

Preventing damage helps limit safety issues. Over the past 20 years, excavation damage has been the leading cause of incidents related to natural gas infrastructure. Dominion Energy conducts public awareness outreach to educate community members and third-party contractors near company facilities to reduce the likelihood of dig-ins.

Visit dominionenergy.com/safety/call-before-you-dig for more information about the call-before-you-dig process and other natural gas safety tips.  
 

About Dominion Energy
More than 7 million customers in 16 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va. The company is committed to sustainable, reliable, affordable and safe energy and to achieving net zero carbon dioxide and methane emissions from its power generation and gas infrastructure operations by 2050. Please visit DominionEnergy.com to learn more.