CAYCE, S.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.

“We all share the responsibility of protecting our communities and underground utility lines by calling 811 at least three full business days before beginning any digging project – no matter how small,” said Greg McGlohorn, general manager of gas operations for Dominion Energy South Carolina. “It’s a year-round effort to make sure everyone remembers to pick up a phone or visit the SC 811 website to request to have utility lines marked ahead of digging projects.”

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. South 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 sc811.com website or the SC811 app, available for iOS and Android devices.
    
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.
    

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.