April is National Safe Digging Month
CAYCE, S.C. (April 1, 2025) – As spring arrives, homeowners, contractors and landscapers will begin outdoor projects. Dominion Energy is reminding the public to stay safe and contact 811 before starting any outdoor digging project.
South Carolina law requires contractors and property owners to contact 811 at least three full business days before excavation work begins to have underground utility lines marked. In addition to preventing injuries, this helps prevent service outages and traffic disruptions.
Damage by third-party contractors is the No. 1 threat to Dominion Energy’s natural gas system in South Carolina. Landscaping, irrigation and fence installations are among the projects that routinely cause damage to underground natural gas and electric utility lines. Even seemingly simple tasks like installing a mailbox, planting a tree or building a deck require contacting 811.
“We work year-round to educate the public about the importance of safe digging practices when it comes to protecting our underground infrastructure,” said Shaun Randall, vice president of gas distribution and customer solutions for Dominion Energy South Carolina. “Safety is at the core of everything we do, and National Safe Digging Month is the perfect time to stress that following the law by calling 811 before you dig on any property can help keep everyone safe as well as prevent property damage and avoid fines.”
Follow these three quick and simple steps before beginning any digging project:
1. Call. Call 811 or visit SC811.com to submit a request.
2. Wait. Professional locators will mark utility lines with flags or paint at no charge within three full business days after your request.
3. Dig. Once all utility lines have been marked, careful digging around the marks can begin.
To learn more about the importance of safe digging and 811, visit DominionEnergy.com/safety/call-before-you-dig.
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About Dominion Energy
Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va., provides regulated electricity service to 3.6 million homes and businesses in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and regulated natural gas service to 500,000 customers in South Carolina. The company is one of the nation’s leading developers and operators of regulated offshore wind and solar power and the largest producer of carbon-free electricity in New England. The company’s mission is to provide the reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy that powers its customers every day. Please visit DominionEnergy.com to learn more.