Know What’s Below…
Dear Lane Electric Community:
Summertime is Lane Electric’s busiest construction time of the year. Dry weather and more daylight hours give our crews a good opportunity to take on larger, more complex capital projects. Likewise, you may have a few projects around your home, business, or farm that are on your summer to-do list. Whether inside projects or outside projects, please remember to be safe. Plan your work and then work your plan.
For indoor projects that involve wiring and electrical fixtures, make sure you turn the power off at the breaker panel to avoid getting shocked.
If you’re digging holes for new fence posts or planting trees or shrubs, ask yourself where possible underground wires might be. It is very important that you do not nick or cut them with a shovel or pick. If you are unsure about the location of underground wires, please take a minute and call 811, the Oregon Underground Notification Center. The process is quick and easy—and free!
When you call 811, you are connected to the One Call Center closest to your area. The call center takes your information and notifies Lane Electric of your request. A qualified professional is dispatched from the Co-op to locate and mark the area of any underground power lines before you dig and find them. To ensure that your job stays on schedule, please call a few days before you’re ready to allow for processing.
Also, be aware of any overhead power lines in your work area. Look up before moving irrigation pipes, using a ladder, installing a new antenna or flag pole, or moving large trucks, trailers or heavy equipment. As you make your plan, remember that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” It just might save your life.
Please take the proper precautions as you begin your summer projects. You’ll be glad you did. And give a wave to our crews out there this summer making improvements to your electric system!
Matt Michel,
General Manager
