May 9, 2024

This paid piece is sponsored by Sioux Valley Energy, Southeastern Electric Cooperative and Xcel Energy.

As the weather warms and winter months fade away, utility employees are out in full force working on electric infrastructure, and their customers are ready to start their own projects as well.

The Sioux Metro region’s electric utilities are encouraging consumers to stay safe by knowing what’s below, what’s above and what’s ahead this spring and summer.

Know what’s below: Call before you dig

Every spring in the Northern Plains, construction crews, landscapers and do-it-yourself homeowners are eager to get started on projects that involve digging in the dirt. But it’s hard to know what utility lines lie underground and exactly where they are. Cutting or even nicking an electric cable, gas pipe or water line can cause serious damage to utilities, property and health.

Photo by Joe Treleven

“You may think it won’t hurt anything to dig in an unmarked yard when landscaping, but damaging an underground cable can have serious consequences,” said Tom Zingler, safety coordinator at Southeastern Electric Cooperative. “Hitting a utility line could result in serious injuries and disrupted service for you and your neighbors. You could also be held responsible for repair fees or other fines.”

To avoid injury, damage or liability always Call 811 — Know What’s Below. Call before you dig at least two to three business days before starting any digging projects. 811: Call Before You Dig is a free service that provides visual indicators — flags and paint marks — of where underground utilities are located.

Know what’s above: Planting and construction season 

Working near overhead power lines requires caution. Always be aware of how close farm or construction equipment might come to overhead power lines. In South Dakota, it is illegal to operate equipment within 10 feet of an overhead power line. See statute 49-32-11 for further details to ensure proper clearances are met.

“Distribution electric lines are energized at 7,200 volts and up to 115,000 volts for transmission lines. If you make contact with an overhead power line, do not get out of your equipment or vehicle. Stay put, and call 911. You always have to assume a power line is energized, said Terry Ebright, Sioux Valley Energy manager of safety.

“If it is absolutely necessary to get out of the equipment because of a fire, jump out with your feet together avoiding touching the ground and the vehicle or equipment at the same time. Once you hit the ground, hop away with your feet together.”

Never try to trim tree branches that are near power lines; instead call your electric company for help.

And if the spring project includes planting new trees or shrubs, consider the full-grown size of the plant in comparison to the location of overhead and underground powerlines and other utilities. If the trees or shrubs prevent utility workers from maintaining equipment, they might have to be removed.

Know what’s ahead: Roadside safety 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, on average, 55 worker-pedestrians are killed per year after being struck by vehicles in work zones. In spring and summer, road and utility construction workers are out in full force. Watch for signage, cones, flaggers and flashing lights indicating a roadside work zone. Don’t let a mobile device or other distractions put a construction or utility worker at risk. And, of course, never drive while impaired by substances or lack of sleep. Utility workers in the roadway are especially vulnerable to accidents like this.

Photo by Joe Treleven

“It is easy for us to take the routine of our normal commutes for granted, but construction season tends to throw a wrench in all of our paths. If you see signs for construction ahead, the safest thing you can do is to take detours now,” said Joshua Sloan, an Xcel Energy safety consultant.

“By familiarizing yourself with your neighborhood, you reduce your reliance on digital navigation services and can navigate construction with more confidence.”

SafeElectricity.org offers useful reminders to drivers as they navigate through construction and utility work zones:

• Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and traffic barriers, trucks, construction equipment and workers.
• Be patient. Traffic delays are sometimes unavoidable, so try to allow time for unexpected occurrences in your schedule.
• Obey all signs and road crew flag instructions.
• Merge early and be courteous to other drivers.
• Use your headlights at dusk and during inclement weather.
• Minimize distractions. Avoid activities such as operating a phone, radio or eating while driving.

Terry Ebright from Sioux Valley Energy and Eric Pauli from Xcel Energy spoke recently about utility safety on KELO-AM Radio’s “It’s Your Business.”  For information on utility safety, listen below.