MINNEAPOLIS - May 7, 2009 - CenterPoint Energy reminds the public as they begin spring planting and construction projects, that they need to call 811 before digging or excavating. One free phone call can avoid service interruptions, serious injuries or even death. 811 connects you with the state one-call center, which alerts participating utility companies such as electric, gas, cable and phone, about the planned digging so they can mark the appropriate location of their underground lines if necessary.
“We recognize Dig Safely month in Minnesota when the potential for underground utility damages increase,” said Bryan Bruley, regional operations manager for CenterPoint Energy. “Now that we are spending more time outdoors and landscaping and construction season has begun, it’s important to find out where the underground utility lines are buried. This protects you and your property from harm and helps you avoid costly penalties and repairs.”
“This is also storm season in Minnesota, when wind damage can knock down fences and uproot trees,” Bruley added. “Whether you are planning to do it yourself or hire a professional, smart digging means you or your contractor calling 811 before each job. Homeowners often make risky assumptions about whether or not they should get their utility lines marked, but every digging job requires a call - even small projects like planting trees and repairing fences.”
“Homeowners and professional excavators can now visit the Web to make their requests through the internet,” added Kris Tande, CenterPoint Energy’s supervisor of damage prevention. “Please visit the Gopher State One Call Website and look for ITIC Lite at www.gopherstateonecall.org. Whether by phone or on-line, having your utilities marked before you dig is fast, free and it’s the law.”
Visit us on the Web for more information about natural gas safety at centerpointenergy.com/safety or call 612-372-4727 or 1-800-245-2377.
CenterPoint Energy, Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a domestic energy delivery company that includes electric transmission and distribution, natural gas distribution, competitive natural gas sales and services, interstate pipelines and field services operations. The company serves more than five million metered customers primarily in Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas. Assets total over $19 billion. With about 8,800 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 130 years. In Minnesota, CenterPoint Energy is the state’s largest natural gas distribution utility, serving nearly 790,000 customers in 260 communities. The utility also operates a non-regulated business in Minnesota called Home Service Plus®. For more information, visit the Web site at www.CenterPointEnergy.com.
For more information contact
Becca Virden
Phone 612.321.4879
Pager 612.531.1234
