Aug. 11 is National Safe Digging Day, recognizing the importance of having underground utility lines marked prior to digging or excavating
§ Duke Energy reported damage to underground electric lines in Indiana nearly 200 times this year
§ Video here: Learn how the 811 process works
PLAINFIELD, Ind. – Aug. 11 is National Safe Digging Day (also known as 811 Day) and Duke Energy is advising customers and excavators to call 811 at least three business days before beginning any outdoor project that involves digging.
What is 811?
811 Day is an annual initiative led by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to ensure the practice of safe digging is echoed in communities by calling 811, a nationwide toll-free number, before any excavation project.
Contractors, homeowners, business owners and anyone preparing for an excavation project should call 811 at least three business days before digging begins. The local utilities will then send a crew to mark underground lines in the area (electric, natural gas, water, sewer, phone, cable TV and others) with stakes, flags or paint.
Damage data by the numbers:
From January to June 2025, Duke Energy reported nearly 200 incidents damaging its underground electric network in Indiana.
Our view
“Whether you’re finishing a summer yard project or starting something new this fall, call 811 before you dig,” said Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy Indiana. “Damaging a utility line can be dangerous and costly, but it’s easily prevented by this simple step. Safety and reliability start with contacting 811.”
Take action
For additional information about 811, visit Call 811 Before You Dig. To contact the 811 center in your state, dial 811 or visit call811.com.
For additional information, see our story on illumination.
Duke Energy Indiana
Duke Energy Indiana, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides about 6,300 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 920,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it Indiana’s largest electric supplier.
