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Massachusetts News
Local News
Be Safe—Knows What’s Below: On 8/11, Eversource reminds customers to call 8-1-1 before digging
Aug 10, 2023
dig safe
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BOSTON and SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (August 10, 2023) – With more than 20 million miles of underground utilities in the United States, it’s crucial to know what’s below ground before beginning any excavation work. In recognition of National 8-1-1 Day on August 11th, Eversource is reminding customers, contractors and excavators to put safety first when starting any digging project – large or small. Whether planting a shrub or installing a pool, calling 8-1-1 to mark underground utilities is critical to avoid injuries and utility service disruptions – and it’s also the law.
“Every six minutes in the U.S. someone damages an underground utility line because of digging without calling 8-1-1 first,” said Eversource Vice President of Safety Ken Bogler. “Striking a single line can cause serious injuries as well as outages. Accidental dig-ins can happen anywhere utility lines are buried, from a backyard to a major construction site. That’s why it’s so important people check what’s below before the shovel, backhoe or digger hits the ground.”
- Regardless of the depth of the digging or familiarity with the property, always contact 8-1-1 before starting a project.
- Whether using power equipment or hand tools such as axes, shovels or posthole diggers, the law requires notifying Dig Safe at least two business days in advance of a project that requires digging or excavation work.
- Underground electric, gas, communication and water lines can be located anywhere. Know what’s below to avoid injury and damage to utility lines.
- Hitting a utility line can lead to injury, repair costs, fines and service outages.
Eversource (NYSE: ES), celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, is the #1 energy company in Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies for 2023 and recognized as one of America’s Most JUST Companies. Celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, Eversource transmits and delivers electricity and natural gas and supplies water to 1.8 million customers throughout Massachusetts, including approximately 1.47 million electric customers in 140 communities, 639,000 gas customers in 117 communities, and 8,800 water customers in five communities. Eversource harnesses the commitment of approximately 9,600 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. The #1 energy efficiency provider in the nation, the company is empowering a clean energy future in the Northeast, with nationally recognized energy efficiency solutions and successful programs to integrate new clean energy resources like solar, offshore wind, electric vehicles and battery storage, into the electric system. For more information, please visit eversource.com, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more information on our water services, visit aquarionwater.com.