Pittsburgh Technology Council News

PA 1 Call and PUC Encourage Pennsylvanians to 'Know What's Below, Call Before You Dig' During Summer Projects

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 18 PRNewswire — To promote the importance of safe digging this summer, Pennsylvania One Call System, Inc. (PA 1 Call) and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) remind Pennsylvanians planning a project that requires digging to "Know What's Below" by calling 8-1-1.

"Forty percent of all damages to underground facilities are caused by not calling PA 1 Call," said Bill Kiger, president and executive director of PA 1 Call. "One simple phone call to 8-1-1 can have a significant impact in reducing damages and injuries within the commonwealth. If you plan to excavate in Pennsylvania for activities such as installing a fence or adding a new backyard deck, please call 8-1-1 at least three business days before you do so."

Mr. Kiger will join PUC Commissioner Kim Pizzingrilli on Thursday, June 19 at the "Central PA Safety Day" at Harrisburg Area Community College to increase awareness about 8-1-1, an abbreviated dialing system. In Pennsylvania, homeowners and contractors are required by law to call 8-1-1 at least three business days before using powered equipment to make certain underground utility lines are marked. The PUC provided the regulatory support needed to allow Pennsylvania to join the nation with 8-1-1 abbreviated dialing in 2006.

An informational brochure on the "Know What's Below." Call 8-1-1 before you dig" campaign is available on the PUC Web site under the consumer education link.

Pennsylvania One Call System Inc. is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit corporation established in 1972. Their purpose is to prevent damage to underground facilities. To promote safety, they provide an efficient, cost-effective communications network among designers, excavators, and facility owners. Before digging begins, PA 1 Call facilitates contact between those wishing to excavate a particular location with the owners and operators of underground facilities nearby, including public utilities. All excavators and residents must contact PA 1 Call at least three business days prior to excavation, as required by law. The service is offered at no cost to homeowners. For more information, please visit www.PaOneCall.org .

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner. For more information, please visit www.puc.state.pa.us .

SOURCE Pittsburgh Technology Council

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