CHARLOTTE, N.C. (FOX Carolina) – Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas are urging customers and excavators to practice safe digging.
Officials said that anyone preparing for an excavation project should call 811, a national toll-free number. Local utilities will send crews to mark underground lines in the area with stakes, flags or paint.
From January to June 2025, Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas reported damage to more than 5,000 electric and natural gas lines in their service territory.
Officials specified that Duke Energy and Piemont reported about 1,450 damages to underground natural gas facilities in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.
“Whether you’re finishing a summer yard project or starting something new this fall, call 811 before you dig,” said senior vice president and president of Duke Energy’s natural gas business, Brian Weisker. “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.”
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