News : Alliant Energy reminds customers to call 811 before you dig

With spring weather here, Interstate Power and Light Company, an Alliant Energy company, is reminding customers about the importance of calling 811 before they start home improvements. Whether you’re landscaping, installing a fence, or building a deck, Alliant Energy urges you to “call before you dig.”

Each year, Alliant Energy responds to hundreds of instances where either a contractor or a homeowner dug into a buried natural gas or electric line. These accidents can put you and your neighbors in danger. By calling 811, buried lines are located and marked above ground, reducing the chance of an accident and allowing someone to dig safely.

“Safety for both our customers and employees is a top priority at Alliant Energy,” said Richard Sublett, senior manager of compliance and operations support. “We hope customers see this message and remember the importance of calling 811. Making the call is more than a smart idea, it’s the law.”

Failing to call before digging or starting to dig before the lines are properly marked can result in injury or death, and even severe penalties and fines. Customers in Iowa and Illinois should call at least two working days before digging.

By calling 811 your local One Call Center will contact all utilities with assets near you, including gas, electric, cable, internet, water, and others. Crews will then mark the location of any underground service lines on your property. If you live near the state-border, call the direct line to avoid confusion.

• In Iowa: Iowa One-Call, 1-800-292-8989

• In Illinois: JULIE, 1-800-892-0123

When digging, stay at least 18 inches away from the marks. If you make contact with a buried line, call 811 to report the damage. Don’t cover up the damage, because it could eventually become a hazard. Reported damage is repaired by Alliant Energy so buried lines stay safe.

For more information about 811, visit alliantenergy.com/call811. To learn more about Alliant Energy’s work to protect its pipelines, call 1-800-257-3645, or visit alliantenergy.com/pipelinesafety.

Interstate Power and Light Company (IPL), based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, provides electric service to 525,000 customers and natural gas service to 233,000 customers in more than 700 communities throughout Iowa and southern Minnesota. IPL is committed to providing the energy and exceptional service its customers and communities expect – safely, reliably, and affordably. IPL is a subsidiary of Alliant Energy Corporation, for more information, visit alliantenergy.com or call 1-800-ALLIANT (800-255-4268).