PG&E Records 1,247 Dig Damage Incidents with $3,500 Avg Repair Cost
In 2024, PG&E recorded 1,247 underground line damage incidents in Northern and Central California, with 55% of all incidents and 89% for homeowners occurring without an 811 call. Average repair bills reached $3,500 per incident, prompting PG&E’s push for free pre-dig 811 notifications to reduce costs and outages.
1. Dig Incident Statistics
In 2024 PG&E identified 1,247 cases in Northern and Central California where underground gas or electric lines were damaged by digging. Homeowners failed to call 811 in 89% of their incidents and overall 55% occurred without notification, resulting in average repair expenses of $3,500 per event.
2. PG&E Safe Digging Initiative
PG&E is urging customers to call 811 at least two business days before any digging project, large or small, to have underground utilities marked free of charge. The campaign outlines clear marking procedures using paint or flags, hand-digging guidelines near lines, and safety checks for gas leaks to lower repair costs and prevent outages.