Underground Line Locates
When doing any outdoor projects and excavation work, safety should always be a top priority. One of the most significant risks associated with digging is accidentally hitting underground power and utility lines. Not only can this cause costly damage, but it also poses serious safety hazards.
To request a FREE line locate or for safe digging information, visit digsafesask.com.
Tips for Working Around SaskPower Equipment
Once the lines are marked, the hard work begins. Here are some important points to keep in mind:
Underground Lines
- We can’t guarantee the depth of our underground power lines because sometimes soil erodes or the grade changes over time. Once the line has been marked, you should dig slowly and carefully by hand (not using heavy equipment).
- Building a fence? You must call Sask1stCall to have underground lines located before you start your project - even if you are replacing existing posts and fence panels.
- Please do not place permanent structures overtop of our power lines in the easement (back three meters of your yard).
- Please do not plant large trees or non-permanent structures in the easement. If we need access, the trees might have to be removed.
Power Poles and Transformers
- If you have a power pedestal in your backyard, please make sure our crews can access it. These metal or plastic boxes feed power to not only your house, but up to five of your neighbour’s houses as well.
- They might not be pretty, but you can’t cover up power poles with vines or place other items on or at the base of the pole. We need to be able to climb the pole at all times. Sorry, no birdhouses on the pole!
- Transformers can overheat when covered and this can lead to a power outage. We need three meters of clearance around the door and 24-hour access to all transformers.
- Fences, sheds, trees, shrubs and water fountains are some of the most common barriers we find when we need to access a transformer. Keep them three meters away from the door and help keep the power on for you and your neighbours.
- In areas with underground power service, the back three meters of your yard is an easement for power and natural gas lines. Please keep that in mind when planting trees as the roots can eventually damage the underground lines.
Pools and Decks
- Water and power don’t mix. Do not place pools— even temporary pools— or hot tubs underneath overhead power lines.
- Enjoy your outdoor spaces, but be sure you are not able to reach overhead power lines while on them. Call us if you think a power line over your deck or patio is too low and causing a safety hazard.
