With springtime officially here, NV Energy would like to remind do-it-yourselfers, gardeners and professionals that projects requiring digging also require a call to 811 before the digging begins. 

“Each spring we start receiving calls from people digging into underground electric or natural gas facilities, “ said John Owens vice president of Gas Delivery and Distribution for NV Energy.  “This year with early warm weather the number of dig-ins has tripled for the month of April.”

Owens emphasized that generally there are no issues planting a few small shrubs or flowers, but those anticipating digging deep holes for larger bushes, trees, fence posts, decks or additions to the house should call 811.

The process is simple.  Call 811 at least two working days prior to digging.  Tell the operator where you're planning to dig, what type of work you will be doing and your affected local utilities will be notified about your intent to dig.  A locator will be sent to mark the approximate location of their underground lines, pipes and cables, so you'll know what's below, and be able to dig safely.

Failure to call beforehand could be inconvenient, expensive and even dangerous. 

“If you hit an underground utility line while digging, you can harm yourself or those around you, disrupt service to an entire neighborhood and potentially be responsible for fines and repair costs,” Owens said.

The program is free.  Call or click before you get started, by dialing 811, or 1-800-227-2600; or go to www.usanorth.org, two working days in advance of a project. Designate the locations for digging and within two business days local utilities will be there to mark the whereabouts of underground utilities.

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