Cayce, S.C. – Thursday is National 811 Day (8/11), and Dominion Energy is joining utilities across the country to remind the public that summer home improvement projects that involve digging require a notification to 811 to request that underground utility lines be marked.  

According to a recent national study, nearly half of all U.S. homeowners who plan to dig this year will put themselves and their communities at risk by digging without contacting 811. Accidentally striking an underground natural gas line or electric line could cause inconvenient outages, traffic disruptions or public safety issues.   

Common home improvement projects such as installing a mailbox or building a deck are examples of projects that could damage natural gas lines, electric lines or other utilities. State Law requires the public to contact 811 three business days before starting a project to request underground utilities be marked. Utility marking requests can be submitted two ways. Property owners and contractors can dial 811 or submit a request online.

“We work with contractors and the general public throughout the year raising awareness of the importance of contacting 811 at least three full business days before beginning any projects requiring digging,” said Greg McGlohorn, general manager of gas operations for Dominion Energy South Carolina. “More than 1,000 excavation damages per year occur on our natural gas system, with nearly one-third of those due to an excavator failing to call 811 before a project. Having natural gas and electric lines marked is important not only to prevent any accidental interruptions in service, but, more importantly, to protect our neighbors and communities.”    

Following the request, 811 will notify the appropriate utility companies of the project and professional locators will mark the approximate location of underground lines with flags, spray paint or both, to help excavators and property owners dig safely. The utility marking service is paid for by utilities, like Dominion Energy, to protect public safety and their infrastructure.    

To learn more about safe digging, visit DominionEnergy.com/safety/call-before-you-dig. 

About Dominion Energy 

About 7 million customers in 15 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 safely providing reliable, affordable and sustainable energy and to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. DominionEnergy.com to learn more. 

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