Date August 11, 2017
For Release Upon Receipt
Contacts Ashlee Yingling
412.430.3404
August 11 is National 811 Day; DLC Reminds Customers to Call Before Digging
Duquesne Light Shares Safe Digging Practices
PITTSBURGH – In recognition of National 811 Day, Duquesne Light encourages customers and contractors to call 811 before beginning any digging projects. The Company is part of the PA One Call system, which allows customers to call a single, toll-free number to alert all appropriate utilities about digging projects.
“Duquesne Light values the safety of its customers, as well as contractors,” said Warren Stough, Director of Safety & Operation Services, Duquesne Light. “We encourage everyone to use safe practices when planning any project—especially when it requires digging.”
Every six minutes an underground utility line is damaged because someone decided to dig without first calling 811. Striking an underground utility line can cause injury, repair costs, fines and inconvenient outages all of which can be avoided by calling the hotline. Customers and contractors are asked to take the following steps when planning a project:
- Before calling, determine the tag number of the nearest utility pole, pad-mounted transformer or underground vault cover to pinpoint the project location.
- Make the call during the planning stage to avoid any delays.
- Contact PA One Call at 1-800-242-1776 or 811 at least 72 hours before starting to dig. Wait for a follow-up call from appropriate utilities about the location of underground cables or facilities near the dig site.
- Review all OSHA regulations about working near electrical power lines.
By following these steps, customers and contractors may avoid injuries, damage to property or prolonged outages. For more information, please visit DuquesneLight.com or PA1Call.org.
About Duquesne Light Company
Duquesne Light Company is committed to more than keeping the lights on; it powers the moments in its customers’ lives. As a next generation energy company, Duquesne Light Company’s nearly 1,500 employees are dedicated to delivering reliable and safe energy to more than a half a million customers in southwestern Pennsylvania.
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