ATLANTA, Aug. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- As utilities and companies across the country mark National 811 Day on August 11, Georgia Power reminds Georgians that making a simple, free call before digging can not only keep workers safe and projects on time and on budget – it's also the law in Georgia. According to the Georgia 811 Utilities Protection Center, failure to call before digging results in more than 200,000 unintentional contacts with underground lines annually across the country, or once every three minutes.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20050216/CLW066LOGO )

The "Call Before You Dig" law requires that, before beginning any mechanized digging or excavation project, workers must contact Georgia 811 to have all underground utility lines (often including power, communications, gas and water lines) marked. Having the location of underground infrastructure marked helps prevent unintended service disruptions, injuries to workers, possible repair costs and fines.  The law applies to individuals working on smaller projects, as well as large contractors and companies. 

"The Georgia 811 program is an incredibly useful and important tool for all Georgians," said Danny Lindsey, vice president of transmission for Georgia Power. "At Georgia Power, we encourage our customers to contact Georgia 811 not only before they dig, but also if they are going to be working within 10 feet of an overhead electrical line carrying more than 750 volts as the service can help coordinate safeguards for working around these lines."  

Notification must be made at least 48 hours, but no more than 10 working days, in advance of any mechanized digging or excavation work.  Georgia residents can call 8-1-1 or (800)-282-7411, or make a request electronically at www.Georgia811.com.  Once a request is made, Georgia 811 will notify affected member utility companies, which will send a professional technician to identify and mark the location of underground lines with colored paint or flags. 

Although not required by law, Georgians can also contact Georgia 811 in advance of smaller, non-mechanized digging projects around the home such as installing a fence, building a deck, installing a swing set or planting trees. The service can help homeowners ensure that projects are safe and located an appropriate distance from underground utilities.  

About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), one of the nation's largest generators of electricity.  Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.4 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, 21st century coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind.  Consistently recognized as a leader in customer service, Georgia Power was recently ranked highest in overall business customer satisfaction among large utilities in the South by J.D. Power and Associates. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower) and Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower).

SOURCE Georgia Power