Cayce's Dominion Energy reminds residents about laws regarding notification before digging

Cayce, SC 04/01/2025 - In the USA, April is designated as safe digging month. As spring arrives, homeowners, contractors and landscapers will begin outdoor projects. Dominion Energy is reminding the public to stay safe and contact 811 before starting any outdoor digging project.

South Carolina law requires contractors and property owners to contact 811 at least three full business days before excavation work begins to have underground utility lines marked. In addition to preventing injuries, this helps prevent service outages and traffic disruptions.

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Damage by third-party contractors is the No. 1 threat to Dominion Energy’s natural gas system in South Carolina. Landscaping, irrigation and fence installations are among the projects that routinely cause damage to underground natural gas and electric utility lines. Even seemingly simple tasks like installing a mailbox, planting a tree or building a deck require contacting 811.

“We work year-round to educate the public about the importance of safe digging practices when it comes to protecting our underground infrastructure,” said Shaun Randall, vice president of gas distribution and customer solutions for Dominion Energy South Carolina. “Safety is at the core of everything we do, and National Safe Digging Month is the perfect time to stress that following the law by calling 811 before you dig on any property can help keep everyone safe as well as prevent property damage and avoid fines.”

Follow these three quick and simple steps before beginning any digging project:

Call. Call 811 or visit SC811.com to submit a request.
Wait. Professional locators will mark utility lines with flags or paint at no charge within three full business days after your request.
Dig. Once all utility lines have been marked, careful digging around the marks can begin.