SoCalGas Observes 811 Day with Safety Reminder, Reports Lowest Number of Dig-In Incidents in a Decade
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Aug. 11, 2025
LOS ANGELES – Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) is recognizing National Safe Digging Day—also known as 811 Day—by reinforcing the importance of contacting 811 before starting any digging project, continuing its “Always Call 811” campaign and announcing that excavation related damages in its service territory reached its lowest in a decade. This milestone underscores the effectiveness of continued public awareness efforts and the importance of safe digging practices in protecting communities and critical infrastructure.
Whether installing a mailbox, planting a tree, or undertaking a major construction project, contacting 811 at least two business days before digging is not only free—it’s the law in California. Utility lines can be just below the surface, and calling 811 ensures that SoCalGas and other local utility owners can mark the location of underground lines to prevent accidents.
In 2024, SoCalGas recorded the lowest number of excavation pipeline damages—known in the utility industry as “dig-ins”—in a decade, with approximately 2,200 incidents across its service territory, down over 33% from 2014. Notably, about 60% of these dig-ins resulted from a failure to contact 811 before digging, and nearly 80% occurred on private property.
“Every dig-in is preventable,” said Cedric Williams, chief safety officer at SoCalGas. “Whether you're a homeowner or a contractor, calling 811 before you dig is not just the safest and smartest first step—it’s also the law. It helps protect lives, property, and the essential utility services we all rely on.”
This year’s “Always Call 811” campaign looks to build on 811 education and success and will run on several platforms, including digital, social media, radio, and television to encourage customers and contractors alike to call 811 before digging.
How 811 Works:
- Mark your proposed digging area in white using chalk, white paint, or flags.
- Contact 811 by phone or online at socalgas.com/811 at least two business days before digging (excluding the day of notification).
- Utility companies will send trained locators—often in uniform and with identification—to mark underground lines using color-coded paint or flags. You may receive a confirmation email or text.
- An Underground Service Alert (USA) ticket will be issued and is valid for 28 days. If work continues beyond that period, the ticket must be renewed.
- Use only hand tools within 24 inches of marked lines and dig with caution.
The “Always Call 811” campaign promotes safe digging practices that protect customers, the public, contractors, and utility workers safe as prescribed by the law. In 2019, SoCalGas employee Wade Kilpatrick was killed when a contractor failed to contact 811, damaging a gas pipeline and causing an explosion. In response, the California Legislature passed the Wade Kilpatrick Gas Safety Act of 2021 (SB 297), which increased civil penalties for excavators who knowingly damage underground infrastructure.
Recognizing a Gas Leak – Look, Listen, Smell:
- Look for signs like dirt or water blowing into the air, dead vegetation, or fire.
- Listen for hissing or whistling sounds.
- Smell for the distinctive odor of natural gas.
If you suspect a leak, evacuate immediately and call 911 and SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200 from a safe location.
For more information about safe digging and the 811 process, visit socalgas.com/811.
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About SoCalGas
SoCalGas is the largest gas distribution utility in the United States, serving more than 21 million consumers across approximately 24,000 square miles of Central and Southern California. Our mission is: Safe, Reliable, and Affordable energy delivery today. Ready for tomorrow. SoCalGas is a recognized leader in the energy industry and has been named Corporate Member of the Year by the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce for its volunteer leadership in the communities it serves. SoCalGas is a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE), a leading North American energy infrastructure company. For more information, visit SoCalGas.com/newsroom or connect with SoCalGas on social media @SoCalGas.
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These risks and uncertainties are further discussed in the reports that the company has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These reports are available through the EDGAR system free-of-charge on the SEC's website, www.sec.gov, and on Sempra’s website, www.sempra.com. Investors should not rely unduly on any forward-looking statements.
Sempra Infrastructure, Sempra Infrastructure Partners, Sempra Texas, Sempra Texas Utilities, Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC (Oncor) and Infraestructura Energética Nova, S.A.P.I. de C.V. (IEnova) are not the same companies as the California utilities, San Diego Gas & Electric Company or Southern California Gas Company, and Sempra Infrastructure, Sempra Infrastructure Partners, Sempra Texas, Sempra Texas Utilities, Oncor and IEnova are not regulated by the CPUC.