Illinois e-News Release

April 1, 2025

 

Cayli Baker

Office: (312) 793-8841 

Chicago, IL – In observance of safe digging month, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is reminding citizens they can reduce utility outages by calling 811. The state’s annual proclamation is a reminder to professional excavators and DIY homeowners alike to call 811 to safely mark utility lines before starting a digging project.

“The warmer weather can inspire us get started on home improvement projects, but underground utility lines can be unintentionally damaged during a digging project. Remember to call 811 before you dig for projects of any size,” said ICC Chairman Doug Scott. 

Illinois law requires all homeowners and professional excavators to call the Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators (JULIE) at 811 before digging at least two working days prior to starting excavation. The project must begin within 10 days of the call, and locate requests have a 25-day life. The State One-Call Center, managed by JULIE (DIGGER within the City of Chicago) is a 24-hour service network system established to prevent contractors and private citizens from hitting utility lines while digging. JULIE has been protecting Illinoisans for 50 years. 

Homeowners and excavators may face penalties for not calling 811, and utilities may be cited and fined for failing to mark lines in a timely manner. 

The ICC is responsible for enforcement of the Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act. In 2024, ICC Staff issued 154 warnings and 1,114 citations for safe digging violations, resulting in over $5 million in fines. 

Read the ICC’s safe digging tips, and learn more about the state’s One-Call education and enforcement. 

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is a quasi-judicial body made up of five Commissioners. Through its Public Utility Program, the Commission oversees the provision of adequate, reliable, efficient, and safe utility services at the least possible cost to Illinois citizens served by electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water, and sewer public utility companies. Through its Transportation Regulatory Program, the Commission oversees public safety and consumer protection programs with regard to intrastate commercial motor carriers of general freight, household goods movers, relocation towers, safety towers, personal property warehouses and repossession agencies. The Commission’s Rail Safety Program also inspects and regulates the general safety of railroad tracks, facilities, and equipment in the state. 

To learn more about the Commission, its offices, and bureaus, click here. If you are a consumer who needs help resolving a utility dispute call 800-524-0795 or file an online complaint here. For a complaint related to transportation, call 847-294-4326.

Follow the Illinois Commerce Commission on social media @ILCommerceComm.