Alectra's 'Dig Safe' campaign reminds customers to "call before you dig"
Utility partners with ORCGA in kicking off Dig Safe Month
HAMILTON, ON, April 12, 2019 /CNW/ - Alectra Utilities is partnering with the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance (ORCGA) for the annual Dig Safe campaign to raise awareness of the potential dangers of digging into underground power and gas lines.
April marks the beginning of spring, a time when many people begin yard work and outdoor projects. Alectra is reminding everyone to call before you dig to find out if there are electrical cables and/or gas lines running below the ground on your property.
If you are planting trees, installing a fence or a swimming pool, building a deck or doing any other work that requires digging, or driving stakes or fence post spikes into the ground, Ontario law requires that you call or click Ontario One Call before you dig to arrange a free underground cable locate.
Damaging underground services can have serious consequences. A severed electrical cable could be fatal, a ruptured gas line could explode, a cut water line could cause floods, and severed communication lines (telephone, cable, Internet) could mean the loss of essential services. You could be liable for expensive restoration costs and potential legal action.
Residents, business owners and contractors should follow these steps when starting any outdoor project that involves digging:
- At least five working days prior to digging, schedule the required locate by calling Ontario One Call 24-hours-a-day, 7 days a week at 1-800-400-2255 or submitting an online request on the Ontario One Call website
- Wait for an Alectra Utilities cable locator and representatives from gas and telecommunication companies to arrive to mark the area
- Respect the marks; avoid digging within one metre of marked ground
- Dig with care
"Safety for the public and employees is our number one priority," said Max Cananzi, President, Alectra Utilities. "The launching of ORGCA's Dig Safe Month campaign at the beginning of April is a yearly reminder to be mindful of the electrical and natural gas infrastructure that resides underground."
Alectra Utilities is supporting the annual campaign with ceremonial Dig Safe flag raisings at its facilities in Barrie, Brampton, Guelph, Hamilton, Markham, Mississauga, St. Catharines and Vaughan.
Learn more about our commitment to safety at alectrautilities.com.
About Alectra's Family of Companies
Serving more than one million homes and businesses in Ontario's Greater Golden Horseshoe area, Alectra Utilities is now the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada, based on the total number of customers served. We contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of the 17 communities we serve by investing in essential energy infrastructure, delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity, and providing innovative energy solutions.
Our mission is to be an energy ally, helping our customers and the communities we serve to discover the possibilities of tomorrow's energy future.
SOURCE Alectra Utilities Corporation
Media Contact: Rachel Bertone, Media Spokesperson, [email protected] | Telephone: 647.339.3826 | 24/7 Media Line: 1.833.MEDIALN
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