GASTONIA, N.C. (Aug. 11, 2021) – If your next home improvement or construction project involves digging, Dominion Energy reminds the public to call 811 and have underground utility lines marked before getting started. Installing a mailbox, building a deck, planting a tree and laying a patio are all examples of digging projects that require a call to 811.

“Calling 811 is the simple, smart and safe thing to do. This free service keeps our communities safe and essential utility services running,” said Shaun Randall, general manager of gas operations for Dominion Energy North Carolina. “Before you get started on your next home improvement project, please pick up the phone and have the utility lines near your project located.”

Here are five reasons why “calling before you dig” is the right thing to do:

1. It keeps you and your community safe. Striking an underground utility line, such as an electric or natural gas line, is a serious safety issue that can cause harm to you or others. Having utility lines marked is the only way to locate and avoid striking underground utilities during your project.


2. It’s the law. North Carolina state law requires calling 811 three full business days before an excavation project. Utilities have three days to locate underground utilities after receiving your call. Visit here to learn more about the call-before-you-dig process.


3. It’s for professionals as well as DIY'ers. Calling 811 is not optional, whether you are a professional excavator, contractor or a do-it-yourself homeowner. If a project involves digging, you need to call 811 before getting started.


4. It’s free and easy. Both the call to 811 and the utility locating service are free. Utility marking requests can also be quickly and conveniently submitted on the nc811.org website or the NC811 app.


5. It helps prevent inconvenient outages and traffic disruptions. If a natural gas or electric line is struck, it could disrupt service to your home and your community. It can also cause traffic disruptions if the utility has to make repairs to restore service. The last thing anyone wants is to have a traffic backup or outage because a utility line was damaged.

Visit dominionenergy.com/safety/call-before-you-dig for more information about 811 and its importance, as well as other 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.