press releases
For Immediate Release: April 3, 2017
Contact: Regina L. Davis, 202-988-9382, rdavis@naruc.org
NARUC Supports National Safe Digging Month
Communities are Reminded to Stay Safe by Calling 811 Before Digging
WASHINGTON—National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners President Robert F. Powelson of Pennsylvania has issued the following statement in recognition of April as National Safe Digging Month:
“The spring season is here—a time when many Americans engage in outdoor improvement projects. I would like to remind our communities that April is National Safe Digging Month and to please follow this life-saving advice: Call 811. No project is worth risking your health and safety or causing damage to underground lines. I join my fellow state, federal, industry and consumer colleagues in urging everyone to dial 811 before starting any outdoor project that requires digging.
“As state regulators, we serve the public interest by ensuring the safe, reliable and affordable operation of our nation’s utility system; however, everyone can do their part to keep our communities safe. Calling 811 a few days before digging can save lives. Our nation’s One-Call service is an effective means of preventing damage to utilities’ underground gas, electric, communications, water and sewer lines. Please help us avoid service disruptions, serious injuries and costly repairs by dialing 811 before you dig.
“NARUC members are engaged in efforts throughout the month to actively encourage safe digging in their communities. I would like to thank our state regulators for working strategically with federal agencies, utility companies and consumer advocates to develop best practices surrounding this critical issue. We can all be part of the solution—beginning with a phone call.”
—NARUC President Robert F. Powelson of Pennsylvania
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NARUC is a non-profit organization founded in 1889 whose members include the governmental agencies that are engaged in the regulation of utilities and carriers in the fifty States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. NARUC's member agencies regulate telecommunications, energy, and water utilities. NARUC represents the interests of State public utility commissions before the three branches of the Federal government.