LG&E and KU reminding customers to contact 811 before digging
(LOUISVILLE, Ky.) – Sunshine and warm temperatures have returned making it a great time to dig into outdoor projects. During National Safe Digging Month, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company are reminding area residents to contact Kentucky 811 and make sure underground lines are marked before projects begin.
Kentucky 811 is a free statewide computer-operated communication system that provides a communication link between excavators and operators of underground utilities. The service enables consumers to submit a “locate request,” which is passed on to each member company that provides natural gas, electric, telephone, cable, sewer and water service in the requested area. Each company will then either mark its underground lines or notify the individual if there are no underground lines. Using the service helps to protect public safety; avoid costly repairs and fines; and guards against the potential for disrupting service to an individual or entire neighborhood.
Whether it’s a DIY project or professional excavation and regardless of the size of the project, having lines marked before digging is the law. Penalties range from $1,250 for the first violation, to $2,000 for a second violation, and $4,000 for subsequent violations.
Three steps to follow for safe digging
- Contact Kentucky 811 at least two business days in advance. All LG&E and many KU service territory locations are included under the 811 call center which can be reached by dialing 8-1-1 or by visiting Kentucky811.org. or va811.com. Both are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In areas where KU is not a member utility of the 811 service, customers need to contact Kentucky 811 AND contact KU directly to request an underground electric line locate service by calling 800-981-0600 (fast path 2-3-3). KU will perform this service at no additional charge.
Customers can visit LG&E and KU’s Safe Digging web page to learn more about the appropriate area contact for having underground electric lines marked.
- Wait the required amount of time. Once you have a confirmed positive response, safe digging can proceed.
- Dig with care by leaving at least 24 inches on all sides of the underground utility line and equipment markings to ensure damage to the line is avoided.
It’s important to remember that some underground lines may not be marked by 811. These lines could include private lines like electric lines to sheds or pathway lighting, invisible pet fences or water lines to pools or fountains. Utilities that run from the street will typically be marked, while lines running from a meter to another location will not. For these private lines, it’s always the property owner’s responsibility to contact a private locating company. Learn more information on private lines and locating companies by visiting kentucky811.org/homeowners/privatelocates.
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Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company, part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies, are regulated utilities that serve more than 1.3 million customers and have consistently ranked among the best companies for customer service in the United States. LG&E serves 335,000 natural gas and 436,000 electric customers in Louisville and 16 surrounding counties. KU serves 545,000 customers in 77 Kentucky counties and 28,000 in five counties in Virginia. More information is available at www.lge-ku.com and www.pplweb.com.
