Piedmont Natural Gas Encourages Customers to Call 811 Before They Dig This Spring

Free Call Should Be Placed At Least 3 Business Days Prior to Outdoor Work

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Apr 08, 2011, 10:36 ET

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- This spring, Piedmont Natural Gas (NYSE: PNY) is reminding all customers to call 811 before they dig to prevent damage to natural gas and other underground utility lines which could result in unexpected service disruptions and repair costs.

"With spring weather upon us, many homeowners are eager to begin lawn and garden projects," said Michael Yount, senior vice president of utility operations for Piedmont. "We're asking customers and any contractors they might be using to please plan ahead. Whether you're planting a tree or shrub, or installing a deck or pool, calling 811 before you dig should be the first step on your to-do list."

Piedmont representatives recommend calling 811 at least two to three business days prior to the start of any project. Customers should tell the operator where they're planning to dig and what type of work will be done. Local utility companies, including Piedmont Natural Gas, will be notified, and they'll send a locator to mark the location of any underground lines, pipes and cables. There is no cost to the homeowner for this service. The following colored flags or paint is used to mark buried lines:

Yellow: natural gas or petroleum pipeline
Red: electric
Orange: communications or telephone/CATV
Blue: potable water
Green: sewer or drainage
Purple: reclaimed water
White: pre-mark site of intended excavation

"At Piedmont our top priority is the safety of our customers and our employees while maintaining the integrity of our natural gas pipeline delivery system," said Yount. "While we do much to design, maintain and operate a safe system, it's imperative our customers also do their part by calling 811 to locate underground utilities before they dig."

Piedmont advises customers who suspect a leak or smell the "rotten egg" odor of natural gas to call Piedmont Natural Gas at (800) 752-7504 or 911 in an emergency. For more natural gas safety tips and information, go to www.piedmontng.com.

About Piedmont Natural Gas

Piedmont Natural Gas (NYSE: PNY) is an energy services company primarily engaged in the distribution of natural gas to more than 1 million residential, commercial and industrial utility customers in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, including 52,000 customers served by municipalities who are wholesale customers. Our subsidiaries are invested in joint venture, energy-related businesses, including unregulated retail natural gas marketing, interstate natural gas storage and intrastate natural gas transportation. More information about Piedmont Natural Gas is available at http://www.piedmontng.com.

SOURCE Piedmont Natural Gas