NEWS RELEASE
Date August 10, 2018
For Release Upon Receipt
Contact Niki Campbell
Telephone 412.430.3404
August 11 is National 811 Day; DLC Urges Customers to Use Safe Digging Practices
Duquesne Light Promotes PA One Call System
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.
“The safety of our customers, contractors and employees is Duquesne Light’s number one priority,” said Warren Stough, Director, Field Operations, Duquesne Light. “Accordingly, we encourage those beginning or planning digging projects to do so safely and take advantage of the PA One Call system.”
Every nine minutes an underground utility line is damaged because someone decided to dig without first calling 811. Striking an underground utility line can cause serious 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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