SAN DIEGO, May 2, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- San Diego Gas & Electric Co. (SDG&E) is encouraging customers to "call before they dig" to avoid hidden natural gas and electric lines when pursuing projects in their yards, such as putting up a new wall or fence, planting or re-working landscaping, putting in a swimming pool, or other yard renovations.
"During the warmer months, many homeowners begin projects which require digging on their property," said Hal Snyder, vice president of gas distribution for SDG&E. "Since gas and some electric lines are located underground and out of sight, we urge homeowners to make a quick phone call to Underground Service Alert to have utilities marked. This will help them avoid unnecessary and costly damage, possible injury or service interruption."
According to SDG&E, there are more than 1,000 customer and contractor "dig-ins," preventable accidents annually, which the company hopes will decrease through increased public awareness.
Customers should call Underground Service Alert (USA) at (800) 227-2600 at least two working days before digging in their yards. As a free service, USA will contact SDG&E and other area utilities, and the utilities will then locate and mark their respective underground facilities.
SDG&E-owned pipelines typically extend from the gas main, in front of or behind the home, to the gas meter. Similarly, underground electrical service typically extends from a pole or pedestal transformer in front of or behind the home, to the connection point of the customer's electric service panel, via underground conduit.
Customer-owned natural gas piping is the line that runs beyond the gas meter to a building or area where gas-fueled equipment or appliances are located. To have these lines located and marked, SDG&E advises customers to call pipe and leak locating services or plumbing contractors who provide maintenance services.
"Once all lines are marked, customers should carefully use only hand-digging tools within two feet of marked gas and electric lines," Snyder advised.
SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to 3.3 million consumers through 1.3 million electric meters and more than 800,000 natural gas meters. The company's service territory encompasses 4,100 square miles in San Diego and southern Orange counties. Exceptional customer service is a priority of SDG&E as it seeks to enhance the region's quality of life. SDG&E is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE). Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company. To learn more, go to www.sdge.com.