#United States #New Jersey #Newark #PSEG #Call Before You Dig

PSE&G's Call Before You Dig Day: A Commitment to Safety

Every year, Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) observes Call Before You Dig Day as a critical reminder for homeowners, contractors, landscapers, and excavators about the importance of contacting 811 prior to starting any digging project. This initiative not only ensures public safety but also contributes significantly to the protection of essential infrastructure across New Jersey.

When undertaking any sort of excavation, be it as small-scale as planting a tree or as significant as a major construction project, the risks of striking underground utility lines can have severe consequences. These can range from service disruptions to potential injuries, creating hazardous situations for both workers and the community. In the words of Brian Clark, Senior Vice President of Gas Operations at PSE&G, "Every excavation begins with the same responsibility knowing what's below."

The Underground Facility Protection Act mandates that New Jersey residents must notify the state’s One Call System at least three days before commencing any digging. By calling 811, individuals are ensuring that utility companies, including PSE&G, can accurately mark the locations of underground utilities, allowing work to be performed safely.

Failing to make this important call not only poses safety risks but can also lead to hefty fines and enforcement actions under state law. Moreover, damaging underground utilities can have widespread implications, leading to interruptions in vital services and potentially endangering entire neighborhoods.

As the largest utility provider in New Jersey, PSEG is actively engaged in promoting these important safety practices among various stakeholders. This collaboration is vital for maintaining the reliability of utility services and enhancing public safety. Call Before You Dig Day serves a dual purpose by fostering a sense of community responsibility and awareness among all citizens.

Every underground utility serves an essential function. It delivers energy to homes, powers businesses, facilitates emergency services, and keeps communities interconnected. A mere few minutes taken to reach out to 811 can significantly mitigate risks, avert costly damages, and ensure the safety of neighbors, workers, and first responders.

PSEG encourages anyone planning any form of excavation to reach out to 811 a minimum of three full business days ahead of time. This remarkable service is free of charge and can be initiated via a simple call or through the website at www.nj1-call.org.

In conclusion, remember: Before you dig, make the call. A single free request can be a transformative action to prevent injuries, avoid expensive repairs, and safeguard critical infrastructure, ultimately keeping New Jersey communities safe.

About PSEG

Public Service Electric and Gas Co. is recognized as New Jersey's oldest and largest public utility for gas and electric delivery, as well as ranked among the nation's biggest utilities. PSEG has proudly won the ReliabilityOne® Award for 24 consecutive years thanks to its superior electric system reliability noticed in the Mid-Atlantic region. Additionally, for four consecutive years up to 2025, J.D. Power acknowledged PSEG as the leading utility in customer satisfaction for residential electric service among large providers in the East. PSEG operates as a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (NYSE: PSEG), a predominantly regulated infrastructure organization that has been consistently recognized in the Dow Jones Best in Class Index for North America for 18 years.