“Know What’s Below” and Check Above Before Starting Any Project

April is National Safe Digging Month, and PECO reminds residents, businesses, and contractors that safe digging must remain a priority to prevent damage to critical underground energy infrastructure and keep communities safe.

You may not know it, but there are thousands of miles of utility lines buried below the surface across the region and the country. This vast network includes everything from electric to water to natural gas, and telecommunications.

Before taking on any project that involves digging, 811 must be called at least three business days in advance to identify the approximate location of underground utility equipment. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call to 811. Installing a mailbox, building a deck, planting a tree, and laying a patio are all examples of digging projects where a call to 811 should be one of the first steps.

A recent survey by the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), a national association focused on underground utility safety, highlights the importance of calling 811. According to the national survey, 10 million Americans planning digging projects in the next year will not contact 811, putting themselves and their communities at risk of utility service disruptions, costly fines and repairs, and even serious injury or death. 

In 2025 alone, PECO was called to nearly 500 incidents where damage was caused to underground electric or natural gas equipment. Of those, 190 were tied to unsafe digging practices, and 90 incidents were a result of not calling 811 prior to digging.

Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call to 811. The 811 service is free and can help ensure a safe project for you and your neighbors. For example:

• Planting new rose bushes? Call 811.
• Putting in a new mailbox? Call 811.
• Building a deck? Call 811.
• Installing a flagpole? Call 811

When you’re ready to start your digging project, here’s how to do so safely:

• Simply call 811 at least three business days before your project
• You will be connected to PA One Call, the state’s coordinator for utility line marking
• PA One Call will collect information about the project and provide it to PECO and other member utilities
• The utilities will then mark their underground facilities

Protecting underground facilities is our communal responsibility. Do not put yourself or your community at risk. Do the right thing and call 811 to know what’s below.