Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas are urging customers and contractors to call 811 before starting any outdoor digging projects. The reminder comes as part of National Safe Digging Day, also known as 811 Day, observed on August 11 each year.
The initiative is led by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to promote safe digging practices nationwide. By calling 811 at least three business days before beginning a project, people can have underground utility lines marked by local crews using stakes, flags, or paint. This helps prevent accidental damage to electric, natural gas, water, sewer, phone, and cable TV lines.
Between January and June 2025, Duke Energy and Piedmont reported more than 5,000 incidents of damage to underground electric and natural gas lines in their service areas. Of these cases, about 1,450 involved natural gas facilities in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio, and Kentucky. Additionally, Duke Energy reported approximately 3,600 damages to its underground electric network across all its territories. In total for 2024, both companies recorded over 8,870 instances of line damage.
“Whether you’re finishing a summer yard project or starting something new this fall, call 811 before you dig,” said Brian Weisker, senior vice president and president of Duke Energy’s natural gas business. “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.”
Duke Energy serves about 8.6 million electric customers in several states including Florida and owns significant energy capacity across its regions. Its natural gas utilities serve approximately 1.7 million customers throughout the Southeast and Midwest.
Piedmont Natural Gas is a subsidiary of Duke Energy that distributes natural gas to more than 1.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
More information about safe digging practices is available at https://call811.com/.
