PG&E Corp Emphasizes Safe Digging Practices on National 811 Day, Highlighting Potential Cost Savings and Enhanced Reputation

PG&E Corp urges safe digging practices on National 811 Day, highlighting the importance of calling 811 before starting any digging projects. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the safety and financial benefits of marking underground utility lines. PG&E encourages both property owners and contractors to make the free call to prevent damage to underground utility lines. The company's proactive approach can potentially reduce liability and repair costs associated with damaged utility lines.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is emphasizing the importance of safe digging practices on National 811 Day, urging both property owners and contractors to make a free call to 811 before starting any digging projects. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the safety and financial benefits of marking underground utility lines.

Underground utility lines can be shallow, sometimes only a few inches below the surface, making it crucial to call 811 before any project that involves digging. This includes activities such as building or replacing a fence, planting or landscaping, and beginning construction work. According to PG&E, calling 811 can help prevent damage to underground utility lines, which can lead to expensive repairs averaging $3,500 [1].

In PG&E's service area, underground gas and electric lines have been damaged due to digging 471 times so far this year. In 59% of those cases, 811 wasn't called. For residential customers, 90% of those striking lines while digging didn't call 811. This highlights the importance of calling 811 before any digging project [1].

Making a free call to 811 will not only help keep you safe but can also save you money. Utility professionals will come to your home or job site and mark the location of underground lines so that you can dig safely and avoid expensive repairs. It is recommended to call 811 a minimum of two business days before beginning any digging project [1].

PG&E's proactive approach to safe digging can potentially reduce liability and repair costs associated with damaged utility lines. The company's Damage Prevention Director, Mitch Smith, emphasizes the importance of calling 811: "By making a fast and free call to 811, utility professionals will come to your home or job site and mark the location of underground utility lines so that you can dig safely and avoid expensive repairs" [1].

The 811 call center serving Northern and Central California is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and will provide Spanish and other translation services. Customers can also visit 811express.com to have underground utility lines marked for their project site [1].

Safe digging practices are not only important for preventing utility line damage but also for ensuring the safety of individuals involved in the digging project. It is essential to respect the marks made by utility locators and avoid digging mechanically within 18–24 inches of those lines unless you hand dig or soft dig within that tolerance zone [3].

PG&E's initiative aligns with the broader industry efforts to promote safe digging practices. The Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) highlights that calling 811 gives you a 99% chance of avoiding utility accidents, outages, or injuries [3].

In conclusion, PG&E Corp's emphasis on safe digging practices on National 811 Day underscores the importance of calling 811 before any digging project. This proactive approach can help prevent utility line damage, reduce repair costs, and ensure the safety of individuals involved in the project.

References:
[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/august-11-is-national-811-daya-reminder-to-call-811-before-any-digging-project-large-or-small-302525071.html
[2] https://seekingalpha.com/news/4478028-pg-and-e-jumps-8-percent-in-two-days-after-pledging-not-to-issue-additional-equity
[3] https://www.conexpoconagg.com/news/811-day-how-a-simple-call-prevents-costly-mistakes
[4] https://hoodline.com/2025/08/atmos-energy-advocates-safe-digging-practices-on-national-811-day-with-arlington-highlighting-importance-of-utility-safety/