MISS DIG System, Inc. Achieves Record 19 Millionth Call

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MISS DIG System, Inc., Michigan's utility notification one call center, recently achieved a nationwide milestone by processing its 19th millionth dig request.

One of the country's first utility one call centers, MISS DIG was established in 1970.  MISS DIG fields thousands of staking requests daily, which helped add up to this impressive milestone and make MISS DIG the first such call center in the nation to attain 19 million staking requests. 

The record-breaking request was placed by a fencing contractor in Livingston County at 2:55 a.m. on June 12.  Day or night, large excavation project or small, MISS DIG is available to service homeowners or excavators 365 days a year.

"We are proud to be the largest total volume call center in the U.S.  Last year we took 619,000 total requests and have recorded a steady increase in call volume over the past three years.  As the state's one call center, MISS DIG continues to play an integral role in reducing the interruption of underground utility service for the citizens of Michigan," stated Bruce Campbell, MISS DIG CEO.

One toll-free call is all it takes to have MISS DIG notify the more than 1000 participating members to locate and mark their underground utility lines and provide overhead electric line assistance to ensure adequate clearances are maintained.  A call can be placed to MISS DIG toll-free by dialing 811 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Michigan law requires a call to MISS DIG before using power tools to dig.  

Before digging contact MISS DIG by calling either 811 or 800-482-7171; also on the web through E-Locate or Remote Ticket Entry at www.missdig.org. 

MISS DIG Facts & History

Establishment
In November, 1970, MISS DIG System, Inc. was established as a pilot program in Oakland County by five major Michigan utility companies (Consumers Energy, Detroit Edison, Verizon, AT&T, and Michigan Consolidated Gas) in an effort to reduce damages to their underground facilities, prevent injuries, and save lives. The participating utilities included underground telephone and telegraph, gas, electric, water, sewer, storm lines, and drains.

Protection Of Underground Utility Facilities
With the establishment of the Protection of Underground Facilities, Public Act 53 of 1974 by the Michigan State Legislature, the need for a statewide one-call service grew. By 1975, the MISS DIG System one-call service was available throughout Michigan's Lower Peninsula. By 1976, MISS DIG System's one-call service was also available in the Upper Peninsula.

Overhead Electric Assistance
Between 1977 and 1979, the MISS DIG System service expanded to include a statewide overhead electric line assistance program. At the request of the excavator, overhead electric line assistance may be provided by an electric utility if the excavator's equipment will be used near overhead electric lines.

Incorporation
On December 15, 1994, the MISS DIG System officially incorporated as a non-profit corporation. A seven member Board of Directors was created to set company goals and objectives for the one-call utility notification center.

Expansion
In 1996, the MISS DIG System opened a northern office in Escanaba to assist the Pontiac office, now the Auburn Hills Headquarters, in fulfilling its projected long-term growth and disaster recovery goals. That office is now located in Galdstone, MI.

Milestones
MISS DIG System recently processed its 19 millionth staking requests. It is the largest total ticket-taking one-call system in the United States.

Function
One toll free call to 800-482-7171 or 811 reaches the MISS DIG System. The MISS DIG System processes calls from individuals planning to dig and notifies its member utilities about these excavations. The member utilities then mark the dig site, indicating the approximate location of their underground public utility lines (MISS DIG does not mark). The MISS DIG System promotes safety on the job site and assists the utilities in providing safe and efficient service to millions of customers, thus helping to preserve the environment and ensuring the quality of life for all Michigan residents.

The MISS DIG System is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for emergency and non-emergency requests.

The MISS DIG System's busiest months are April, May and October. The average number of tickets taken per day in the summer is over 4,200.

MISS DIG System, Inc. Other Notable Firsts

• The MISS DIG System was the first 24-hour operated call center in the U.S.
• The MISS DIG System was the first computerized one-call center in the U.S.
• The MISS DIG System was the first statewide one-call center in the U.S.
• The MISS DIG System was the first center to offer an overhead electric program in the U.S.
• The MISS DIG System has the largest total ticket-taking volume of any one-call center in the U.S. with 19 million total requests since 1970.

SOURCE MISS DIG System, Inc.