Dominion Energy Ohio Reminds Public That State Law Requires Calling 8-1-1 Two Business Days before Digging

CLEVELAND, Aug. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion Energy Ohio is using the calendar date August 11, or 8/11, as a natural reminder that Ohio law requires property owners -- whether they are doing the work themselves or hiring a professional -- to call Ohio811, by dialing 8-1-1, to have underground utility lines marked, at least two business days, but no more than 10 business days, prior to ANY digging project.

Ohio811, formerly known as the Ohio Utilities Protection Service, operates the state's one-call system. A vital resource for Ohio residents and businesses alike, Ohio811 acts as a communications link between Dominion Energy Ohio and other member utilities and individuals and companies planning any digging activity. This service is free of charge. Professional locators are then sent to the requested digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines and facilities with flags, spray paint or both.

"Dominion Energy Ohio takes the safety of our customers and the communities we serve very seriously," notes Jim Eck, Vice President and General Manager, Ohio & West Virginia Distribution. "Third-party disruption is the leading cause of damage to underground utilities. Calling 8-1-1 before digging helps ensure safety and prevents accidental dig-ins and potential injuries, property damage and utility service interruptions."

Promoting the Call 8-1-1 and other pipeline safety messages has helped Dominion Energy Ohio reduce third-party dig-ins by 50 percent over the past decade, company officials say.

State law mandates a call to 8-1-1 for every digging project, no matter how big or small. Installing a mailbox, putting in a fence, building a deck, or planting a tree, are all examples of digging projects that require a call to 8-1-1 before starting.

Utility lines need to be marked accurately, because, even when digging only a few inches deep, the risk of striking an underground utility line still exists. Visit www.dominionenergy.com/dig for information about 811 and the call-before-you-dig process. For additional natural gas safety information, visit www.safegasohio.org. 

About Dominion Energy
Nearly 6 million customers in 19 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D). The company is committed to sustainable, reliable, affordable, and safe energy and is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy with over $75 billion of assets providing electric generation, transmission and distribution, as well as natural gas storage, transmission, distribution, and import/export services.  As one of the nation's leading solar operators, the company intends to reduce its carbon intensity 50 percent by 2030. Headquartered in Richmond, Va., Dominion Energy contributes more than $20 million annually to the communities it serves and actively supports veterans and their families. Please visit www.DominionEnergy.com, Facebook or Twitter to learn more.  

SOURCE Dominion Energy Ohio