Call Before You Dig

Oregon Utility Notification Center

Call 811 at least two business days before starting any digging project. By calling, the Oregon Utility Notification Center (OUNC) will coordinate with your utility services to mark the location of your electric, natural gas, communications, and water utilities to avoid damaging underground lines.

Be smart -- Call 811 whether planning to dig yourself or hiring a professional!

Buried gas line flag in ground

PUC's Role

The Oregon Public Utility Commission holds a position on the OUNC board of directors and enforces violations of Oregon's Dig Laws.

Enforcement

The PUC enforces Oregon Administrative Rules for preventing damage to underground utilities. The rules facilitate a critical statewide one-call system administered the Oregon Utility Notification Center. Using the nationwide 811 number is the first step to get underground facilities located and marked in order to avoid damaging petroleum or natural gas pipes, an electric or fiber optic cable, a telephone, or a water main.

The PUC orders enforcement actions against excavators that don’t use the one-call system and utility Operatorsservice providers that don’t provide location and marking services. View enforcement information related to Notification Center complaints.

If you would like to submit a complaint about someone not using the one-call system or have issues with a utility service provider not locating and marking, please contact the PUC's Consumer Services team by phone at 503-378-6600 or 800-522-2404, or by email.