Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas are encouraging people to call 811 before starting any digging or excavation projects. This reminder comes as Aug. 11 marks National Safe Digging Day, an annual event that highlights the importance of marking underground utility lines prior to digging.
The 811 number is a national toll-free line established by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). By calling 811 at least three business days before beginning a project, local utilities will send crews to mark underground lines such as electric, natural gas, water, sewer, phone, and cable TV with stakes, flags or paint.
From January to June 2025, Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas reported more than 5,000 incidents where underground electric and natural gas lines were damaged in their service areas across North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana. Of these incidents, about 1,450 involved damages to underground natural gas facilities in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Duke Energy also reported approximately 3,600 damages to its underground electric network in all its territories during this period. In total for 2024, both companies reported over 8,870 damages to natural gas and electric lines.
“Whether you’re finishing a summer yard project or starting something new this fall, call 811 before you dig,” said Brian Weisker, senior vice president and president of Duke Energy’s natural gas business. “Damaging a utility line can be dangerous and costly, but it’s easily prevented by this simple step. Safety and reliability start with contacting 811.”
For more information about the process or how to contact your state’s center directly online visit https://call811.com/. More details on safe digging practices are available at https://www.duke-energy.com/safety-and-preparedness/call-before-you-dig.
Duke Energy serves about 8.6 million customers across several states including North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. The company is working on modernizing its energy grid while investing in cleaner energy sources such as renewables and storage systems.
Piedmont Natural Gas distributes natural gas to over 1.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. The company was recently recognized for customer satisfaction among large utilities in the southern United States according to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Gas Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study.
Contact: Zach Vavricka
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