Now is the time to tackle any outstanding outdoor projects before colder weather sets in — and with any project, safety always comes first.
Whether you are installing a mailbox, planting a tree, or building a patio, knowing the location of underground utility lines can help prevent serious injury, utility damage and power outages. ComEd reminds you to call 811 before digging to have underground utility-owned lines marked.
It is required by law to notify utilities before planning to dig.
ComEd has more than 33,000 miles of underground powerlines, many of which run through residential properties. In addition to powerlines, there may be lines for natural gas, cable, communication, water, sewage, oil and petroleum.
Calling 811:
- When you call 811, you are connected to JULIE (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators), a service that notifies all utilities in the area so they can mark lines before you dig.
- Utilities will then come to your property to mark the location of their lines so you can dig safely around them.
- All of this comes at no cost.
- You need to call 811 at least 48 hours before you plan to dig.
- If you need to contact 811 Chicago (formerly known as DIGGER) and you are outside the city of Chicago, please contact 312-744-7000.
