Do you have some outdoor projects you would like to accomplish this year such as planting trees, installing privacy fence, or adding an addition on to the house? These projects all require some digging and it is important that you know where your electrical lines are located prior to starting. 

State law in Ohio requires that you notify the Ohio Utilities Protection Service (OUPS) at least 48 hours in advance of digging, excluding weekends and holidays. OUPS will contact the appropriate person to mark your lines with flags or ground paint.

If you fail to call OUPS and dig into an underground line, you are liable for any damages and costs of repair, even if the damage is not evident at the time of the excavation. A small nick in the insulation of an underground primary or secondary electric wire usually leads to a problem of a partial or complete loss of power within a year’s time of the damage. 

You also are taking a chance with your safety when you fail to have underground lines located. Digging into an underground electric line could result in death.

Call OUPS at least two working days before you dig at 1-800-362-2764 or 8-1-1 anytime.

For more information, go to www.oups.org.