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National Safe Digging Month emphasizes the critical need to call 811 to ensure utility lines are properly marked before starting any digging projects
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Underground electric and natural gas lines were damaged more than 8,870 times in 2024
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Video here: Learn more about how the 811 process works
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – April is National Safe Digging Month, and Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas are recognizing the importance of calling 811 before starting any digging projects. This simple step helps protect the nation's underground utility infrastructure and ensures the safety of both customers and professional excavators.
“Even if you’re digging just a few inches below the surface, underground utility lines can still be present,” said Brian Weisker, senior vice president and president of Duke Energy’s natural gas business. “Taking the time to check and be aware of what’s beneath your feet is the best way to dig safely and prevent potentially dangerous damage to our underground utilities.”
Call first, dig second
The national 811 “Call Before You Dig” system was created so anyone who plans to dig can make a free call to have underground utility lines clearly marked. Contractors, homeowners, business owners and anyone preparing for an excavation project should call 811 at least three business days before digging begins. The local utilities will send a crew to mark underground lines in the area (electric, natural gas, water, sewer, phone, cable TV and others) with stakes, flags or paint.
Digging into the damage data
In 2024, Piedmont and Duke Energy reported more than 8,870 cuts to underground natural gas and electric lines in their service territories. Specifically, Piedmont and Duke Energy reported more than 2,950 damages to their underground natural gas facilities in the Carolinas, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky, while Duke Energy reported more than 5,920 damages to its underground electric network in all its service territories.
“Our strongest safeguard is raising awareness and providing continuous education about calling 811 before digging,” Weisker said. “We are dedicated to the safety of our customers and communities, and spreading this message helps prevent digging and excavation incidents.”
For additional information about 811, visit Piedmont's Call 811 Before You Dig webpage. To get in touch with the 811 center in your state, dial 811 or visit call811.com.
For additional information, see our story on illumination.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.
Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage.
More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.
Piedmont Natural Gas
Piedmont Natural Gas, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, distributes natural gas to more than 1.2 million residential, commercial, industrial and power generation customers in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Piedmont Natural Gas earned the No. 1 spot in customer satisfaction with residential natural gas service in the South among large utilities, according to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Gas Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study. More information: piedmontng.com. Follow Piedmont Natural Gas: X, Facebook.
Contact: Zach Vavricka
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