The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is using National 8-1-1 Day to remind homeowners, contractors, and businesses to contact 8-1-1 before beginning any excavation project.

“Every digging project, no matter how small, carries risk,” said PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank. “Contacting 8-1-1 isn’t just a recommendation, it’s the law.”

The PA One Call system allows utility companies to mark underground lines before digging, reducing risks to people, property, and infrastructure. State law requires 8-1-1 notification at least three business days before work begins.

The PUC’s Damage Prevention Committee hears hundreds of cases each year involving damaged underground lines, many due to skipped notifications, improper excavation, or inaccurate utility markings. Pennsylvania law prohibits contractors from having homeowners request tickets on their behalf.

The updated Underground Utility Line Protection Law, Act 127 of 2024, reauthorized PUC enforcement and introduced measures including mandatory reporting, faster response times, and escalating penalties.

A recent Harrisburg gas line strike that led to an explosion prompted PUC complaints against both a contractor and a natural gas utility.

The PUC advises residents to call 8-1-1, wait for free utility markings, verify markings before digging, and ensure contractors submit their own tickets.

More information is available at www.pa811.org.