WALTHAM, MA – Ahead of National Safe Digging Day on August 11, National Grid is reminding customers and contractors to call 811 before starting any digging or excavation project, no matter the size. Dig Safe® is provided at no cost and plays a critical role in preventing underground utility damage and protecting public safety. 

“Whether you're planting a tree, installing a fence, or starting a major excavation, every project requires a call to 811 to identify what’s underground before digging,” said Richard Delaney, Vice President of Gas Pipeline Safety & Compliance at National Grid. “The depth of utility lines can change over time due to erosion, prior digging, or uneven terrain. Even if a location was marked before, it must be marked again to avoid risk. Calling 811 remains the most effective way to prevent damage to underground utilities and ensure safety. 

According to an April 2025 survey from Common Ground Alliance, 27.2 million Americans do not plan to contact 811 before a project involving digging within the next year, putting themselves, their neighbors and essential utility services at risk. Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in serious injury or death, inconvenient service disruptions, and costly fines and repairs. Hitting underground gas, electric, communications, water, and sewer lines while digging can have a major impact on communities and businesses.  

Customers and contractors should call 811 or visit http://www.811beforeyoudig.com/ several days before digging to alert their local utility of their intent to dig. Failure to do so may be punishable by fines. Professional locators will arrive onsite to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, spray paint, or both. The service is easy to use, free of charge and is required by law.   

National Grid encourages everyone to take the following steps before digging: 

• Plan ahead. Always contact 811 before digging, regardless of the depth or familiarity with the property.  
• Massachusetts law requires you to contact Dig Safe at least 72 business hours in advance of projects requiring excavation. Failure to do so may be punishable by fines. 
• New York law requires you to contact Dig Safe at least 48 business hours in advance of projects requiring excavation. Failure to do so may be punishable by fines. 
• Confirm that all lines have been marked.   
• Consider moving the location of your project 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.  
• Visit www.811beforeyoudig.com for complete information. The service is easy to use and free of charge. 

Additional Resources: 

Massachusetts: Call 811 or 1-888-DIG-SAFE (344-7233) | digsafe.com 

Metro New York, Long Island, and the Rockaways: Call 811 or 1-800-272-4480 | newyork-811.com 

Upstate New York: Call 811 or 1-800-962-7962 | UDigNY.org 

When It Comes to 811, There’s No Kidding Around – National Grid Safety video 

About National Grid

National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy future — transforming our networks with more reliable and resilient energy solutions to meet state climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.