August 10, 2026 |Infrastructure, National Grid, News, Resources

National Grid Reminds Customers to Call 811 Before Digging

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National Safe Digging Day is August 11

From National Grid: Ahead of National Safe Digging Day on August 11, National Grid reminds customers and contractors to contact 811 before starting any digging or excavation project, no matter the size. Knowing what is below ground helps protect people, communities, and essential utility service. The 811 service is free and plays a critical role in preventing damage to underground utilities and protecting public safety.

According to a recent Common Ground Alliance survey, nearly three in four American homeowners — more than 60 million people — plan to complete an outdoor project involving digging in 2026. However, 10 million do not plan to contact 811 before starting their project. Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in serious injury, service disruptions, costly repairs, and fines. Striking underground utility services also can affect homes, businesses and communities.  

Calling 811 or visiting 811BeforeYouDig.com connects customers and contractors with professional utility locators, who will mark the approximate location of underground electric, natural gas, water, sewer, and telecommunications lines with flags or spray paint. Even if an area has been marked for a previous project, customers should contact 811 before each new project because utility locations may change due to weather, root growth, erosion, or recent utility work.

Safe digging requirements vary by state, and failure to contact 811 before digging may result in fines and liability for utility damage.

In Massachusetts, customers are required to contact 811 at least 72 hours in advance of projects requiring digging. Failure to do so may result in fines of up to $10,000, and financial liabilities for property damage, infrastructure repairs and emergency response costs.

Before You Dig

·       Confirm that all utilities have responded and marked the designated area. Do not remove flags or markings until your project is complete.

• Move your project location if it is near utility line markings.  
• If a contractor has been hired, confirm that the contractor has contacted 811. Do not allow work to begin if lines are not marked.

If You Hit a Line

• If water, sewage or natural gas begins leaking, move away from the area and call 911. Stop working, keep people away from the scene, and don’t try to stop the leak yourself.
• If you strike another type of line, call 811 to report the incident and the utility (if known). Stop working and wait until the company responds.

To further help spread awareness in New England, National Grid recently reminded WooSox fans to contact 811 before they dig.  Timothy Moore, COO of Gas, National Grid New England, participated in a live TV interview during the August 5 in-game broadcast aired by NESN, sharing the importance of safe digging and damage prevention.  Fans at the game were also treated to a fun Dig Safe video featuring WooSox mascots that appeared on the jumbotron throughout the game.

About National Grid

National Grid (NYSE: NGG) delivers electricity and natural gas to more than 20 million people across New York and Massachusetts. We’re committed to meeting our customers’ energy needs and supporting economic growth across the regions we serve—providing safe, reliable energy today and building the resilient networks of the future. National Grid Ventures, our commercial business, develops and operates infrastructure that delivers affordable and reliable energy to consumers. National Grid Partners, our corporate investment and innovation arm, invests in and collaborates with technology companies that are transforming the energy sector and accelerating industry-wide innovation.

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