The PA Public Utility Commission’s Damage Prevention Committee (DPC) recently applied 500 disciplinary actions for various damages to communication lines, power lines, gas lines, and other infrastructure. The findings included 201 education requirements and $363,375 in administrative penalties against 266 underground facility owners, excavators, and project owners. The DPC is a peer-based committee which focuses on reducing the number of “hits” on underground lines and utilities. 

State law requires contractors and residents to contact PA One Call at least three business days prior to excavation, triggering alerts to utilities within an intended digging area to mark where their facilities are located. The DPC meets regularly to review alleged violations of the One Call Law, and its next meeting will be on August 11, 2026, at 9 a.m. For more information, read the PUC press release.