News Releases

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (April 7, 2026) – April is National Safe Digging Month—a good reminder that calling 811 before you dig isn’t just smart, it’s the law. Rhode Island Energy (RIE) is reminding customers, residents, and contractors across the Ocean State they must contact 811 before starting any digging project so underground utility lines can be safely marked. Dig Safe® is a free service funded by its utility members and placing a request at least 72 hours in advance helps protect people, property, and essential utility services.

Digging without knowing the location of underground utilities can result in serious injury or death, inconvenient service disruptions, and fines and repairs. Hitting underground gas, electric, communications, water, and sewer lines while digging can have a major impact on communities and businesses. Making a free request before digging online at digsafe.com or by calling 811 helps everyone who digs maintain essential utility service for their communities.

"Safe digging plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of our employees, the public, and the local communities that we proudly serve every day," said Michele Leone, Vice President of Gas Operations at RIE. "Remember, calling 811 before you dig is required by law and will help to protect you and your family, as well as your neighbors and the local community." 

During Safe Digging Month, RIE reminds everyone to take the following steps when planning a digging project

• Rhode Island law requires contact to DigSafe at least 72 hours before digging, regardless of the depth or familiarity with the property.
• In Rhode Island, state law requires you to call 811 or make an online request 72 hours before any excavation starts, excluding weekends and legal holidays - even small or shallow jobs require this.
• Consider moving the location of your project if it is near utility line markings. 
• If a contractor has been hired, confirm that the contractor has contacted 811 and don't allow work to begin if the lines aren't marked.
• Visit digsafe.com for complete information.
• Dig Safe is easy to use and free of charge – and it’s the law!

RIE works closely with local fire and police departments; with their strong support, people are calling before they dig. Calling 811 can avoid an incident that requires police and fire response.

Additional Resources:

• Rhode Island: Call 811 or 1-888-DIG-SAFE (344-7233) | digsafe.com

About Rhode Island Energy 

Rhode Island Energy provides essential energy services to over 770,000 customers across Rhode Island through the delivery of electricity and natural gas. Our team of more than 1,300 employees is dedicated to helping Rhode Island customers and communities thrive, while supporting the transition to a cleaner energy future. Rhode Island Energy is part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies addressing energy challenges head-on by building smarter, more resilient, and more dynamic power grids and advancing sustainable energy solutions.  

For more information visit www.RIEnergy.com and stay connected on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.