SDG&E Champions Community Safety on National 811 Day
Every year, August 11 (811) serves as a powerful reminder that safety begins underground. As part of National 811 Day, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is strongly urging homeowners, contractors and landscapers to take one simple but critical step before starting any digging project: call 811.
Whether you're planting a tree or shrubs, installing a fence or mailbox, or breaking ground on a new development, underground utility lines — gas, electric, water, and more — could be inches below the surface. Striking one can lead to serious consequences, including fires, property damage, service outages and injuries. These incidents are largely preventable.
“Safety is at the heart of everything we do,” says Kevin Geraghty, SDG&E’s chief operating officer and chief safety officer. “By simply making a phone call before digging, contractors and homeowners can play a vital role in protecting our community, helping to prevent damage to gas lines and ensuring the safety of workers, residents, first responders and our employees.”
Last year alone, SDG&E repaired more than 258 natural-gas lines damaged by digging without an 811 ticket. Calling 811 helps prevent damage, service interruption and a potentially larger threat to public safety. Dig-ins not only pose safety risks but also carry financial consequences. Residential repairs typically cost between $1,500 and $2,300, and, if a contractor is found at fault, they may be held liable for the full cost. Additionally, California’s Underground Facilities Safe Excavation Board can issue fines of up to $100,000 for violations.
Given the scale of SDG&E’s natural gas infrastructure—serving approximately 915,000 customers and spanning more than 8,000 miles of pipeline—adhering to safe excavation practices is essential to protecting public safety and maintaining reliable service.
Calling 811 or submitting a request at www.digalert.org at least two business days before digging allows utility companies to mark the location of buried lines—free of charge. On National 811 Day, SDG&E encourages everyone to spread the word: Know what’s below. Call before you dig. It’s free, it’s easy and it could save lives.