Record 811 Participation Helps Drive Lowest Infrastructure Damage Rate on Record Across SoCalGas Service Territory
Rhea-AI Summary
Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas), a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE), marked National 811 Day by reporting a record-low underground infrastructure damage rate across its service territory. In 2025, more than 1.1 million Californians contacted 811, a 6% increase from 2024 and among the highest participation levels recorded.
According to SoCalGas, growing 811 use coincides with a 32% reduction in dig-in incidents since 2019. About 2,400 dig-ins occurred in 2025, with nearly 60% happening when 811 was not called and approximately 70% occurring on private property, underscoring the need for continued public awareness.
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Key Figures
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 07 | preferred stock retirement | Positive | +3.9% | Board approved retirement of all outstanding preferred shares for cash payments. |
| Jul 02 | community veterans event | Positive | +0.3% | SoCalGas and U.S.VETS hosted a Fourth of July celebration for veterans. |
| Jun 30 | natural gas costs | Positive | +0.3% | Storage and system flexibility supported lower customer natural gas commodity costs. |
| Jun 22 | employee volunteer program | Positive | +0.6% | Employees contributed volunteer hours supporting nonprofits across Southern California communities. |
| May 12 | preferred stock retirement | Positive | +0.0% | SoCalGas urged shareholders to approve preferred-stock retirement for cash consideration. |
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
All five recent news events were followed by positive 24-hour reactions, with no divergence from the positive tone of this announcement.
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In 2025, more than 1.1 million Californians called 811 to locate and mark underground utility lines across SoCalGas's service territory, a
As calls to the 811 program continue to grow, SoCalGas achieved its lowest damage rate on record, demonstrating the impact safe digging practices can have on protecting communities, workers and essential utility services.
The increase in 811 participation coincides with a
The sustained increase in 811 requests also reflects the ongoing operational work required to locate and mark underground infrastructure across a large and active service territory, reinforcing the importance of continued public awareness, field response and damage prevention programs.
"The record calls we're seeing to the 811 program is making a real difference," said Cedric Williams, chief safety officer at SoCalGas. "More people are taking the simple step of contacting 811 before digging, and the result is fewer damages to underground infrastructure and safer communities. National 811 Day is an opportunity to celebrate that progress while reminding everyone that every dig-in is preventable."
While approximately 2,400 dig-in incidents were recorded in 2025, the company achieved its lowest damage rate on record despite continued excavation activity throughout the region, highlighting the positive impact of increased awareness and use of the 811 program.
Despite this progress, nearly
Additionally, approximately
National 811 Day, observed annually on Aug. 11, serves as a reminder to contact 811 at least two business days before digging, excluding the day of notification. After a request is submitted, utility operators will mark the approximate location of underground utility lines, helping prevent injuries, property damage, service disruptions and costly repairs.
The company's progress in damage prevention reflects its broader commitment to safety and operational excellence and the responsible management of critical energy infrastructure across
Whether planting trees, installing fences, building decks, landscaping or undertaking larger construction projects, SoCalGas encourages everyone to make calling 811 their first step before breaking ground.
Know Before You Dig
Before starting any digging project:
- Contact 811 or submit a request online.
- Wait for underground utility lines to be marked.
- Confirm all utility operators have responded.
- Dig carefully around marked utility lines.
For more information about safe digging practices, visit socalgas.com/811.
About SoCalGas
SoCalGas is the largest gas distribution utility in the United States, serving more than 21 million consumers across approximately 24,000 square miles of Central and Southern California. Our mission is: Safe, Reliable, and Affordable energy delivery today. Ready for tomorrow. SoCalGas is a recognized leader in the energy industry and has been named Corporate Member of the Year by the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce for its volunteer leadership in the communities it serves. SoCalGas is a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE), a leading U.S. utility growth business. For more information, visit SoCalGas.com/newsroom or connect with SoCalGas on social media @SoCalGas.
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SOURCE Southern California Gas Company