Call 811 Before You Dig

BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK — NYSEG and RG&E, subsidiaries of AVANGRID, Inc., today reminded contractors and homeowners to have underground utilities marked before digging – this is essential to protect themselves and others from injury and to prevent damage to underground utility lines. Remember to contact Dig Safely New York by calling 811 at least two and not more than 10 full working days before the start of any excavation project.

Every year, there are dozens of incidents involving third-party damage to NYSEG and RG&E underground natural gas and electric facilities. These incidents can put people’s lives in danger and interrupt essential utility service.

“Contractors are required by law to call Dig Safely New York before digging, and we strongly encourage do-it-yourselfers to call as well,” said Mike Eastman, Vice President - Gas Operations, NYSEG and RG&E. “Whether you’re putting in a foundation or just putting up a fence, making this simple call will help keep everyone safe.”

Follow these tips for a safer project:

•Plan to have underground utilities marked as part of all underground construction

•Mark out the area of construction

•Call Dig Safely New York, a free and easy service at 811 or 1.800.962.7962

•Provide adequate training and supervision on a jobsite to assure that good construction practices are followed

•Properly maintain all underground utility markings

•Hand dig in the area of underground facilities

•Provide adequate protection and support for underground facilities

•If our underground facilities are damaged or disturbed, notify RG&E at 1.800.743.1702 for natural gas or 1.800.743.1701 for electricity. NYSEG can be notified by calling 1.800.572.1121 for a natural gas emergency and 1.800.572.1131 for an electric emergency. We'll come right away to ensure the site is safe and make repairs if required

•Use and properly install suitable backfill material around underground facilities