Tuesday is Kentucky 8-1-1 Underground Facility Protection Day, encouraging all Kentuckians to familiarize themselves with and comply with the Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act utilizing the Kentucky 811 service.
The Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) holds the annual event to promote public education about the importance of contacting 811 before you dig every time.
The 811 number was adopted in 2007 as an easy-to-remember number to call to have utilities located prior to excavation. Legislation was passed requiring underground utility lines to be located and marked prior to most excavation or demolition activity. The Kentucky Public Service Commission received enforcement authority for the Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act in 2018.
Kentucky Public Service Commission Chair Angie Hatton said that digging into buried lines is more than just a problem for utility companies. “The PSC recognizes that damaged underground facilities interrupt vital services, damage property, and, in the case of gas and electric lines, can even cause injury or death. Despite ongoing efforts to promote the use of 811, damages continue to happen. This is why we emphasize the importance of contacting 811 ‘Before You Dig'. It is simple and free, and can prevent significant disruptions, costly repairs, and even save lives.”
In 2025, 888 gas damages were reported to the PSC, an average of 2.43 strikes per day, a slight decrease from 2.45 daily average reported the previous year. The 2025 data also indicates that nearly 27 percent of all violations occurred because KY 811 was not contacted to obtain a locate ticket prior to digging.
“This is the first step in the damage prevention process and is required by law,” said Brandon Bruner, Director of the PSC’s Division of Inspections. “To help address the lack of awareness, we’ve expanded our education and outreach efforts by hosting free trainings and seminars across the state.”
Kentucky 811 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To obtain locations for underground facilities owned by utility service providers that do not belong to Kentucky 811, it is necessary to notify the company directly. A list of all owners of underground utility lines may be obtained from the county clerk. More information about Kentucky 811 is available at its website, www.kentucky811.org.
