By Sarah Klein
WINNIPEG — Manitoba Hydro is streamlining the process needed for residents to dig in their yards by moving to an electronic system for line location.
The changes to the Call Before You Dig system no longer require customers to be on site to sign the required line locate form. Once a request has been made for line location, Hydro can schedule an appointment and e-mail the permit to dig.
“With this move, Hydro’s ability to perform line locates now meets or exceeds other utilities across Canada,” said Robert Morrison, Manitoba Hydro’s supervisor of underground locates for Winnipeg East.
“Our customers benefit from a quicker turnaround on their line locate request and are provided with a comprehensive response and our employees have less paperwork, scheduling constraints and drive time.”
Digging clearance is needed for such projects as landscaping, building a deck, digging a garden or flower bed or planting a tree — all of which require a line locate.
The new system will also benefit Manitoba contractors, who no longer have to wait at a site for a Hydro representative.
To book a line locate appointment, call 1-888-MBHYDRO (1-888-624-9376) or in Winnipeg call 204-480-1212.
