Date:                April 28, 2025

Contact:          Casey Hollins
                         Managing Director - Communications and Public Relations
                         (540) 891-5908, news@myrec.coop

REC Urges Members to Know What’s Below: Contact VA811 Before You Dig

Fredericksburg, Va. — With warmer weather inviting more outdoor projects, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) urges members to prioritize safety by contacting VA811 before starting any digging project.

April is National Safe Digging Month, a timely reminder that striking underground utility lines can result in service disruptions, serious injuries and costly repairs – all of which are almost entirely preventable.

By submitting a request online at va811.com, homeowners and contractors can have underground utility lines marked for FREE. The process is easy and safe — and it's also the law.
“Even small projects like planting a tree or installing a mailbox can put you at risk if you don’t know what’s underground,” said Casey Hollins, Managing Director — Communications and Public Relations. “Contacting VA811 helps keep our members and employees safe, and it avoids unnecessary damage.”

After submitting a request, VA811 will respond within three business days to mark utility lines on your property. These markings offer critical guidance to help you dig safely and avoid accidents.

"So remember, whether you're planning a backyard project or a major construction job, safe digging starts with visiting va811.com," Hollins said.

Serving more than 182,000 connections across 22 Virginia counties, REC is a pillar in its communities, with over 18,000 miles of power lines extending from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay. For more information on REC’s initiatives, visit www.myrec.coop and follow REC on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.