Contact: Regina Davis, 202-898-9382, rdavis@naruc.org

NARUC and State Public Service Commissions Want You to Dig Safely
April is Safe Digging Month: Don’t Start an Outdoor Project Before Dialing 811

WASHINGTON—The month of April is recognized each year as Safe Digging Month and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners welcomes the opportunity to increase awareness and has issued the following statements:

“The spring and summer seasons are ideal for outdoor projects. Hitting buried utilities while digging can cause costly damage to underground gas, electric, communications, water and sewer lines. NARUC is pleased to join its state, federal, industry and consumer colleagues in sharing the important message to dial 811 before starting any project that involves digging to avoid physical injuries and property damage.”

—NARUC President Nick Wagner
Member, Iowa Utilities Board

“There are millions of miles of underground pipeline in the United States. As state utility regulators, we recognize the importance of increased public awareness surrounding the potential dangers associated with hitting buried gas, electric, communications, water and sewer lines. Each state has an 811 One–Call service for excavators and contractors to contact before starting any excavation or digging project. To help ensure the safety of our communities, it is critically important to call 811 before digging to avoid service disruptions, serious injuries and costly repairs. Moreover, as forward-thinking regulators, we understand that we must place a strong emphasis on innovative technology to enhance pipeline safety and that includes innovations around damage prevention and calling 811.”

—Commissioner Diane X. Burman, New York State Public Service Commission
Chair, NARUC Committee on Gas

NARUC and its member commissions are engaged in the month-long awareness campaign by encouraging safe digging in their communities.

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About NARUC

NARUC is a non-profit organization founded in 1889 whose members include the governmental agencies that are engaged in the regulation of utilities and carriers in the fifty States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. NARUC's member agencies regulate telecommunications, energy, and water utilities. NARUC represents the interests of State public utility commissions before the three branches of the Federal government.