As Dig Safe Month Ends, Enbridge Gas Distribution Reminds Ontarians to 'Call Before You Dig' this Spring

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - April 29, 2012) - The end of April marks the end of 'Dig Safe Month,' but Enbridge Gas Distribution reminds Ontarians that the need to dig safely continues - particularly as homeowners turn their attention to outdoor work.

Chosen to coincide with the unofficial start of the spring digging and home renovation season, the annual 'Dig Safe' month features activities across Ontario to raise awareness about the importance of digging safely.

Safety is a priority at Enbridge Gas Distribution and encouraging safe digging practices is one way that Canada's largest natural gas distribution utility works to reduce damage to its 35,000-kilometre network of underground natural gas pipelines in Ontario. The company also promotes safe digging messages on more than 1.9 million customer bills and in advertisements. As well, Enbridge Gas Distribution actively supports proposed provincial legislation that would require all owners of underground cables, pipes and lines to join a single call centre that Ontarians could contact to request the location of all underground infrastructure.

"It's free for you or your contractor to call for the location of Enbridge's pipes so that you can avoid damaging them and prevent a potentially dangerous situation," said Jamie Milner, Vice President, Enbridge Gas Distribution. "This Spring, make plans to protect yourself, your family and your property by calling before you dig."

To request the location of Enbridge Gas Distribution's natural gas lines, call Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 or submit your request online at www.ON1CALL.com at least five business days before disturbing the ground.

When you call Ontario One Call you will be connected to an operator who will contact member utilities, including Enbridge Gas Distribution, on your behalf. Professional locators will then be sent to mark the locations of lines, pipes and cables, so you'll know what's below - and be able to dig safely. There is no charge for this service.

It's important to note that not all utilities are Ontario One Call members. Be sure to ask which utilities are members so you can contact any others on your own.

An easy acronym can help keep construction workers and residents safe. Remember to always dig with C-A-R-E:

  • Call Before You Dig.
  • Allow the required time for marking underground pipes and cables.
  • Respect the marks.
  • Excavate carefully.

For more about safe digging practices, visit www.enbridgegas.com/callbeforeyoudig or www.digsafe.ca.

About Enbridge Gas Distribution

Enbridge Gas Distribution is a founding member of Ontario One Call, a voluntary not-for-profit call centre designed to make it easy for people to call for the location of underground utilities with one free call. It is also a founding member of the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance, a non-profit organization which promotes safe digging practices.

Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. has a more than 160-year history and is Canada's largest natural gas distribution company. It is owned by Enbridge Inc., a Canadian-based leader in energy transportation and distribution and one of the 2012 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations. Enbridge Inc. has been selected as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2011 and is one of Canada's Top 100 Employers. Enbridge Gas Distribution and its affiliates distribute natural gas to more than 1.9 million customers in Ontario, Quebec, New York State and New Brunswick. For more information, visit www.enbridgegas.com.

 

For more information please contact:

Enbridge Gas Distribution
Chris Meyer
416-753-6626
chris.meyer@enbridge.com
www.enbridgegas.com