PG&E Highlights Rising Underground Utility Line Strikes Amid National 811 Day
Event summary
- PG&E reported 1,247 underground utility line strikes in its service area during 2025, with 55% occurring where 811 was not called.
- In 2026, incidents have risen to 561 through August 10, with 57% of damages happening without prior 811 notification.
- Homeowners account for 89% of incidents where 811 was not contacted before digging.
- Average repair cost per damaged utility line is $3,500.
The big picture
PG&E's data highlights a persistent public safety issue in utility infrastructure, where failure to call 811 before digging remains the leading cause of underground line damages. This trend underscores broader challenges in coordinating between homeowners, contractors, and utility companies to prevent costly and dangerous incidents. The scale of the problem—with thousands of strikes annually—points to systemic gaps in awareness and compliance that could have regulatory and operational implications for utilities.
What we're watching
- Incident Trends
- Whether the pace of underground utility line strikes will continue rising during warmer months when digging projects increase.
- Public Awareness
- How effective National 811 Day campaigns are in increasing calls to 811 before digging projects.
- Regulatory Impact
- Whether increased incidents could lead to stricter regulations or enforcement around pre-digging notifications.
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