Photo Credit: CenterPoint EnergyNews
National 811 Day: CenterPoint Energy reminds Customers to Contact 811 before Digging Projects
Today, on National 811 Day, CenterPoint Energy is reminding its approximately two million customers in Texas to always contact 811 a few business days before starting any outdoor digging project, big or small. Contacting the 811 national service is free, and is an essential safety step customers, businesses and contractors can – and must – take to prevent service interruptions and avoid potentially life-threatening damage to underground utility lines. In 2026 so far, approximately 3,500 damages have been caused to CenterPoint natural gas lines because digging occurred without underground utility lines being located and marked.
“Contacting 811 is about your safety, and the safety of the community. Whether you’re planting a tree, building a fence or taking on another outdoor project, starting with 811 is one of the simplest steps you can take to keep your family, home, and neighbors safe. It is a free service and takes just a few minutes to request that underground utility lines are located and marked. Please always remember, before every digging project, know what’s below and contact 811,” said Vince Gaeto, Senior Vice President, Natural Gas Business at CenterPoint.
National 811 Day: Simple safety steps
Safe digging practices are essential and help prevent damage to underground natural gas, electric, communications, water and sewer lines and are required by state law. Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in serious injury, as well as service disruptions, fines and costly repairs.
To prevent damage and stay safe, CenterPoint urges everyone to:
- Plan ahead and call 811 or visit Texas811.org a few business days before starting work.
- Confirm all utility lines are marked before beginning work.
- Adjust project locations, asneeded,to maintain a safe distance from utility lines.
- Confirm hired contractors have contacted 811 before their work.
- Complete digging within the timeframe required by state law. If work cannot be completed in that time, contact 811 again before continuing.
Important Safety Reminder: Planting the right tree in the right place
In addition to urging customers to contact 811 before digging, CenterPoint Energy also requests that residents look up before planting a tree to ensure they are planted a safe distance from power lines. Residents can use this guide to learn more about safe planting distances based on the estimated mature height of the tree. Finally, CenterPoint Energy reminds residents to never attempt to trim trees near power lines and to call its forestry team at 800-332-7143 to request an inspection.
What to do if a natural gas line is struck
If a natural gas line is struck outside of a home or business, customers should:
- Leave the area immediately on foot. Do not attempt to restart or move powered equipment or use your mobile device or any other item that could cause a spark.
- Go to a safe location, then call 911 and CenterPoint.
- Remain in a safe area until directed by emergency personnel to do otherwise.
- Leave all repairs to a trained technician.
Visit 811BeforeYouDig.com for more information about 811. To learn more about natural gas safety, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Safety.
Source: CenterPoint Energy
