*See New Provisions Below

Planning a home improvement project? Planting a tree? Installing a fence or mailbox or building a deck? Here's what you need to know first.

Whether you are a professional contractor or homeowner planning a do-it-yourself project, smart digging means calling 811 before each job.

Don’t assume you know what’s below. Every digging job requires a call – even small projects like planting trees and shrubs. The depth of utility lines varies and there may be multiple utility lines in a common area. Digging without calling can disrupt service to an entire neighborhood, harm you and those around you and potentially result in fines and repair costs. Calling 811 two business days before every digging project gets the underground utility lines marked for free and helps prevent undesired consequences.

Safe digging is no accident! Don’t assume you know what’s below. Protect yourself, your family and those around you – always call 811 before you dig. It’s the law!

Important Notice to Customers: New Provisions Related to the Call Before You Dig Requirement.

Because you receive natural gas service, you likely have underground natural gas lines at your place of residence or business. Damage to natural gas lines from excavation work can lead to explosion or fire and can cause property damage, serious injuries or death.

Beginning July 14, 2018, the Kentucky Public Service Commission ("PSC”) will begin investigating instances of excavation damage to underground natural gas pipelines to determine whether the pipeline was properly located prior to excavation. Under changes to the Underground Facility Damage Prevention Act of 1994 (the "Act”), which take effect on July 14, 2018, the PSC will have the authority to levy fines for failing to comply with the requirements of the Kentucky statute related to protection of underground utilities.

Key requirements of the Act (KRS 367.4901 to KRS 367.4917) include

• Excavators, including property owners working on their own property, must call the 811 one-call center at least two working days prior to the start of excavation.IF YOU FAIL TO CALL 811 AND THEN DAMAGE A NATURAL GAS LINE, YOU WILL BE SUBJECT TO A PENALTY.
• The requirement to call 811 applies to all work on private property if it occurs within a utility easement or uses mechanized equipment.
• Natural gas operators must mark the facilities within two working days of receiving the request.
• Penalties for violating the statute are up to$1,250 for the first violation,$2,000 for a second violation, and$4,000 for subsequent violations.

CALL 811 BEFORE YOU DIG AND MAKE SURE THAT ANYONE DOING EXCAVATION ON YOUR BEHALF CALLS 811 TWO WORKING DAYS BEFORE THEY START.