Fargo, North Dakota (April 20, 2020) –Xcel Energy remains committed to the safety of our employees, customers and communities while ensuring reliable service for all our customers as we all adjust to life during these uncertain times. With many in North Dakota staying home and working from home, many of our customers may use this extra time for some do-it-yourself projects that involve digging in their yards. Xcel Energy wants to remind customers that April is National Safe Digging Month and that customers should contact 8-1-1 to have underground utility lines marked before beginning any digging projects.

Damaging or striking a single line can create a dangerous situation, cause injury, or result in repair costs, fines and outages. In North Dakota homeowners and contractors should call 8-1-1 or submit an online request to North Dakota One Call (external link) at least two business days in advance of a planned project to have underground utility lines marked in your digging location. Every digging project, large or small, warrants contacting 8-1-1. Installing a post for a mailbox, building a deck or planting a tree are all examples of projects that need utility lines marked before digging.

North Dakota One Call will notify the appropriate utility companies of the caller’s intent to dig. At no charge, professional locators will mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, spray paint or both. When locators from Xcel Energy visit a location, they will be wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment and will have no need to interact with customers or enter their homes. Customers are also asked to please avoid approaching our employees and continue practicing social distancing.

Xcel Energy had nearly 20 incidents last year in North Dakota when buried gas and electric lines were damaged during excavation and not located beforehand.

Customers need to make arrangements with a private locate company to locate lines not owned by a utility, such as a line installed by a homeowner to heat a pool or light a garage.

For more information about 8-1-1 and safe digging practices visit Call 8-1-1 Before you Dig (external link) or North Dakota One Call (external link).

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About Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.