CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WECT) – Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas are observing National Safe Digging Month in April by encouraging customers to call 811 before beginning any digging projects.
The national 811 system allows anyone planning to dig to make a free call to have underground utility lines marked.
Duke Energy officials said in a release that the free system helps protect underground utility infrastructure, customers and professional excavators.
“Underground utility lines can be present even just a few inches below the surface,” Emily Henson, senior vice president and president of Duke Energy’s natural gas business, said in a statement. “Many digging and excavation incidents are preventable. A quick call to 811 can help you avoid costly, potentially dangerous damages.”
Anyone preparing for a digging project should call 811 at least three business days before digging begins.
Local utilities will send a crew to mark underground lines in the area with stakes, flags or paint. Lines include electric, natural gas, water, sewer, telephone and cable television.
Piedmont and Duke Energy reported nearly 9,800 cuts to underground natural gas and electric lines in their service territories in 2025.
Piedmont and Duke Energy reported more than 3,100 incidents of damage to underground natural gas facilities in the Carolinas, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Duke Energy reported more than 6,600 instances of damage to its underground electric network across all its service territories.
“Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas are committed to keeping our customers and communities safe,” Henson said. “Calling 811 to know what’s below before you start any digging project is fast and free, and it’s the best way to dig safely.”
Additional information is available at Piedmont’s Call 811 Before You Dig web page. The 811 center can be reached by dialing 811 or by visiting its website.
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