FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 11, 2025) – Governor Andy Beshear has issued a proclamation designating April ‘Safe Digging Month” in Kentucky.
Gov. Beshear encouraged all Kentuckians to familiarize themselves with and comply with the Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act and utilize the Kentucky 811 service.
“One of our greatest strengths as Kentuckians is that we look out for each other, and one important way we can prevent injury to our utility workers is by calling 811 before digging in your yard or on your property,” said Gov. Beshear. “Far too often, utility service to Kentucky homes and businesses is disrupted by damage to buried lines. Calling before you dig can prevent headaches as well as saving lives.”
Kentucky Public Service Commission Chair Angie Hatton said that digging into buried lines is more than just a problem for utility companies. “At the PSC we recognize that such incidents can cause substantial damage to property and, in the case of electric and gas lines, severe injury or death,” Hatton said. “Damaged lines threaten public health and safety by interrupting vital services such as electricity, water, or telephone.
“Despite efforts to promote the use of the 811 service, dig-ins continue to disrupt utility service, Hatton continued. “It is more than an inconvenience if someone needs medical, fire or police assistance and service is down.”
Over the past year, 980 strikes were reported to the PSC, averaging 2.68 strikes per day which is slightly below the prior year. “I highly recommend that homeowners hiring contractors to do work on their property need to require the contractor to have the site located before they begin work” said Director Brandon Bruner of the PSC’s Division of Inspection. “Contractors that include this in their project plans and quotes are more likely to prioritize the safety of the homeowners, their employees and the property.”
The 811 number was adopted in 2007 as an easy-to-remember number to call to have utilities located prior to excavation. Legislation was passed requiring underground utility lines to be located and marked prior to most excavation or demolition activity.
Kentucky 811 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To obtain locations for underground facilities owned by utility service providers that do not belong to Kentucky 811, it is necessary to notify the company directly. A list of all owners of underground utility lines may be obtained from the county clerk. More information about Kentucky 811 is available at its website, www.kentucky811.org.
The PSC is an independent agency attached for administrative purposes to the Energy and Environment Cabinet. It regulates more than 1,100 gas, water, sewer, electric and telecommunication utilities operating in Kentucky and has approximately 90 employees.
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