Alliant Energy urges customers and contractors to call before they dig

New, national 811 telephone number makes it even easier to have utility lines marked for safety

After this winter’s heavy snowfall, many people have cabin fever and are beginning to plan outdoor projects. Whether you’re a homeowner interested in landscaping, installing a fence or deck, or a contractor excavating a new building, Alliant Energy-Interstate Power and Light Company (IPL) urges you to “call before you dig.”

“Keeping our customers and employees safe is one of Alliant Energy’s top priorities,” said Howie Randles, a gas department foreman for IPL. “The benefits of this free service are invaluable. Not only can it prevent utility service interruptions, but it can save lives as well.”

To make it even easier to call before you dig, a toll-free telephone number – 811 – was established in 2007. All calls to 811 are connected to local “One Call” centers, which contact utility companies to mark the location of underground lines on your property free of charge.

Calling before you dig is not only smart – it’s the law. Residents in Iowa, Minnesota and Illinois should call at least two working days before beginning a project. Wisconsin residents should call at least three working days before starting a project.

* In Iowa: Iowa One-Call, 1-800-292-8989
* In Minnesota: Gopher State One-Call, 1-800-252-1166
* In Illinois: JULIE, Inc., 1-800-892-0123
* In Wisconsin: Diggers Hotline, 1-800-242-8511

Once the lines have been marked and you begin digging, stay at least 24 inches away from the marked lines (distance requirement vary by state, so ask for guidelines when you contact the One Call Center). If you’re planting a tree, remember to consider the length of the roots as the tree matures, and avoid planting tall-growing trees under power lines.

If you have questions or concerns, or to report an outage, please call 1-800-ALLIANT (1-800-255-4268) or visit alliantenergy.com.