UGI Utilities Urges Texans to Call 811 Before Digging to Prevent Damage and Save Lives

On August 11, UGI Utilities, an energy company serving over 760,000 customers in Pennsylvania and Maryland, is highlighting the importance of calling 811 before any digging project. Although UGI is headquartered in Denver, Pennsylvania, the message resonates across the nation, including Texas, where infrastructure damage from digging is a significant concern. The company's reminder comes on National 8/11 Day, a date chosen to reinforce the simple yet critical step of contacting the national call-before-you-dig number.

The process is straightforward: homeowners and contractors must call 811 or visit call811.com to submit a request. This free service connects diggers with local utility companies, which then mark the locations of underground lines. This precautionary measure prevents accidental strikes on gas, electric, water, and sewer lines, which can cause injuries, service disruptions, and costly repairs.

The implications of not calling 811 are severe. In Texas, where rapid development and construction are common, the risk of hitting buried utilities is high. A single mistake can lead to natural gas explosions, power outages, or water main breaks, endangering lives and impacting entire communities. UGI's campaign serves as a vital reminder that a few minutes of planning can prevent these disasters.

UGI's call to action is not just for large contractors but also for homeowners planning simple projects like planting trees or installing fences. According to the Common Ground Alliance, every six minutes an underground utility line is damaged because someone didn't call 811. This statistic underscores the need for vigilance in all digging activities.

While UGI's service area does not include Texas, the company's message is part of a broader safety campaign. Texas residents can use the same 811 number, which connects to the Texas811 system, the state's one-call center. By promoting this practice, UGI contributes to national efforts to reduce utility damage and enhance public safety.

The reminder also highlights the role of utility companies in maintaining infrastructure. When lines are damaged, repairs can be time-consuming and expensive, often leading to higher costs for consumers. By calling 811, individuals help avoid these expenses and ensure the reliability of essential services.

UGI Utilities, which provides energy to a large customer base, emphasizes that the call is not only about legal compliance but also about ethical responsibility. Many states, including Texas, have laws requiring a locate request before digging, but the true motivation should be safety. As UGI's announcement states, it is a 'potentially lifesaving' step.

In addition to the 811 number, UGI offers resources on its website at www.ugi.com and social media platforms like Facebook and X. While these are specific to UGI, Texas residents can access similar information through Texas811 and local utility providers.

As the nation marks 8/11 Day, UGI's reminder serves as a crucial safety message. Whether in Pennsylvania or Texas, the call before digging is a simple action that protects lives, property, and the environment. The economic impact of preventing utility strikes is substantial, saving millions in repair costs and avoiding service interruptions that affect businesses and households.

In a state like Texas, where growth and infrastructure development are ongoing, the message is particularly relevant. By adopting the habit of calling 811, Texans can contribute to safer communities and more efficient utility operations. UGI's advocacy underscores the shared responsibility we all have in safeguarding our underground networks.