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New Hampshire News

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Be Safe – Know What’s Below

Aug 10, 2023

811 dig safe safe digging

On 8/11, Eversource reminds customers to call 8-1-1 before digging

MANCHESTER, N.H. (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, which could have been avoided by 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.”

Dig Safe governs safe digging practices in New Hampshire and offers a one-call system to locate and mark underground facilities that are near proposed excavation areas. By calling 8-1-1, homeowners and contractors are connected with Dig Safe, which notifies local utilities of any scheduled digging activities. Professionals then visit the property to mark utility-owned underground lines with flags and/or spray paint to indicate areas to be avoided.
 
Some essential tips to remember:

  • 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 three 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.

For more information about Dig Safe, visit Digsafe.com.

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 is New Hampshire’s largest electric utility, serving nearly 532,000 homes and businesses in 211 cities and towns, and also supplies water to approximately 10,200 homes and businesses in seven communities. Eversource is proud to be recognized as the #1 contributor to United Way in New Hampshire. Eversource harnesses the commitment of approximately 9,500 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.

CONTACT:
William Hinkle
603-634-2228
william.hinkle@eversource.com