JACKSON, Mich., Aug. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- With summer
outdoor projects still in full swing, Aug. 11 or 8-11, serves as a natural reminder for
Michigan residents to contact MISS DIG 811 before digging to have underground utilities
marked.
"At Consumers Energy, we care about the communities where we live, work and serve. We are committed to raising awareness about
safe digging practices by urging that everyone contact MISS DIG 811 to have underground utilities marked before they pick up a
shovel or use power excavation equipment," said Charles Crews, vice president of gas
operations.
Every hour in the U.S. more than six damages to buried utilities occur because someone decided to dig without first calling
811. Through June, there have been 961 reports of damages to Consumers Energy underground facilities, 125 of which were caused by
homeowners. In 85 percent of these incidents homeowners did not contact MISS DIG 811 before digging.
While there is no requirement to contact MISS DIG 811 unless you are using power equipment, over half of utility damages are
caused by homeowners who are hand digging.
Those planning digging projects should contact MISS DIG at 811 or submit an online locate request at www.MISSDIG811.org at least three business days before work is to begin.
Utilities will then mark the requested digging site with flags, spray paint or both to show the approximate location of
underground lines. The service is free of charge.
It is important to be aware of the location of utility lines because even when digging only a few inches, the risk of striking
an underground line exists. The depth of utility lines can vary for a number of reasons, including erosion, previous digging
projects and uneven surfaces. Visit www.call811.com or
www.MISSDIG811.org for more information about 811 and
safe digging practices.
Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest energy provider, is the principal subsidiary of CMS
Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.7 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower
Peninsula counties.
For more information about Consumers Energy, go to www.ConsumersEnergy.com .
Did You Know?
- Pro race car driver Joey Logano will help promote safe digging by driving a vehicle with the
national 811 logo during the Consumers Energy 400 NASCAR race on Aug. 12 at Michigan
International Speedway in Brooklyn.
Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan
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SOURCE Consumers Energy