Can you dig it? The Gas Co. says yes, but call them first
The utility wants to avoid damage to pipe lines
Southern California Gas Co. is reminding customers to call 811 before they dig, whether in the garden or at construction sites. Calling 811 or Underground Service Alert may help them avoid possible injury or damage to hidden gas lines or service interruption, the utility says.
Even such “minor projects” as putting up a new wall or fence, building a deck, planting or removing large trees or any other renovations can result in damage to gas lines if they aren’t located prior to the work.
"Since gas lines that serve homes and businesses are located underground and out of sight, customers won’t know where they are located. We urge our customers—whether digging at their businesses or homes—to make the quick 811 phone call to Underground Service Alert to have utility-owned lines marked for free,” said Bret Lane, vice president of field services for SoCalGas.
Last year, there were 2,296 customer and contractor “dig-ins” or preventable accidents that the utility will decrease this year through increased public awareness.
Customers are advised to call 811 to reach Underground Service Alert at least two working days before any digging project is to begin.
Underground Service Alert will contact SoCalGas and other area utilities.
Each utility will then locate and mark the underground pipes they own. SoCalGas-owned pipelines typically extend from the gas main, in front or behind the home or business, to the gas meter.
Customer-owned gas pipes are the lines that run from the gas meter to the building or area where gas-fueled equipment or appliances are located. To have these customer-owned lines located and marked before a project, SoCalGas advises its customers to call pipe and leak locating service companies or licensed plumbing contractors who provide maintenance services.
“Once all lines are marked, customers should carefully use only hand-digging tools within two feet on each side of marked gas lines,” Lane added.
If a customer causes what seems to be only minor damage to a pipeline or a component attached to a pipeline, they should call SoCalGas immediately at 1-800-427-2200.
April is National Safe Digging Month and Southern California Gas Co. is reminding residents and businesses to call 811 to have utility-owned lines marked before digging in the garden or at construction sites. Calling 811 or Underground Service Alert will help avoid possible injury or damage to hidden gas lines or service interruption.
LOS ANGELES, Calif.—Southern California Gas Co. today announced a hotline that enables customers to check for buried utility lines before digging in their yards.
Simply dial 811 two days in advance of any digging project, and Underground Service Alert contacts SoCalGas and other utilities that sent out crews to mark buried lines.
LOS ANGELES, Calif.—Southern California Gas Co. clients were urged today to use common sense when heating their homes this winter.
“With the cold and wet weather, we’re seeing an increase in the use of home heaters, and that translates into higher heating bills,” said Bret Lane, vice president of field services for SoCal Gas.
“To help keep a lid on heating costs while staying warm and dry this winter, we encourage customers to continue to practice conservation and use energy efficiently.”
LOS ANGELES, Calif.—In the wake of the powerful earthquake that struck Japan, Southern California Gas Co. today reminded customers that advance preparation is critical in getting ready for the next major temblor in the Southland.
The utility offered a series of preparedness tips to help reduce the chance of injuries or property damage from a quake. Before an earthquake:
Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) have teamed up to invest $440 million in energy efficiency funding into the community. The two utilities now offer several energy-saving, and potentially cost-saving, programs to residential and business customers in their joint service territory.
