The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) has released preliminary data comparing complaint activity from the first quarter of 2025 to the same timeframe in 2026. The numbers show a sharp increase: 4 complaints filed through March 25, 2025, compared to 30 filed through March 25, 2026.
At first glance, that kind of increase gets attention. But it’s important to understand what’s driving it.
Following a review of gas operators’ risk assessment programs, the MPSC identified a need for stronger accountability tied to excavation damages. One of the key outcomes was a clear expectation that facility owners and operators file more complaints when violations of Public Act 174 occur. What we are seeing now is not necessarily a spike in poor performance in the field—it is a better reflection of issues that have always been there but were not consistently reported.
That said, even with this increase, the complaint numbers still fall short of representing what is actually happening across Michigan. There are still damages, near misses, and non-compliant practices that never make it into a formal complaint. From a safety standpoint, that gap matters. Whether it is reported or not, the risk to workers, the public, and critical infrastructure remains.
Looking at the 2026 data, the trends are consistent with what we see in the field every day. The majority of complaints stem from excavation practices, notification failures, and issues related to locating. The most common issue—by a significant margin—is failure to properly verify utility locations through potholing. Excavators digging in the caution zone without exposing the facility accounted for nearly half of the complaints. This is one of the most preventable causes of utility damage. Marks are not exact, and relying on paint alone is not enough. Verification by test hole is required.
Notification-related violations also account for a large share of complaints. These include situations in which no ticket was obtained, an excavator relied on another contractor’s ticket, outdated markings were used, or work continued after a ticket expired. Under Public Act 174, each excavator must have their own valid ticket, which must be current. There is no substitute for that responsibility.
There were also complaints about facilities not being marked or identified as unlocatable. While these conditions can create real challenges in the field, they do not excuse the excavator from proceeding with caution, communicating with facility owners, and documenting site conditions before continuing work.
One complaint highlights a serious compliance breakdown—a damaged gas service was wrapped in electrical tape and reburied without notifying 911 or the facility owner/operator. This is a direct violation of Public Act 174 and represents the kind of behavior that puts lives at risk.
Statewide data continues to reinforce a critical point: the leading root cause of incidents is failure to notify the One-Call system. Contractors account for the largest share of these incidents. That is not about assigning blame—it is about recognizing where the greatest opportunity for improvement exists.
But another side of this conversation deserves just as much attention.
Public Act 174 applies to everyone involved—not just excavators.
Facility owners and operators have clear responsibilities under the law, including marking facilities accurately and on time, communicating when facilities are unlocatable, and responding appropriately to tickets. When those obligations are not met, it creates real risk for excavators working in the field.
That is why it is critical that excavators report violations by facility owners and operators to the MPSC when they occur.
If marks are late, inaccurate, or missing…
If communication is not happening…
If a facility is not being properly maintained or identified…
Those issues need to be documented and reported.
For too long, many of these situations have gone unreported. As a result, the data has not fully reflected the challenges excavators face in the field. Just as the MPSC is pushing for increased reporting from facility owners, excavators must also play their role in ensuring the system works as intended.
If you’re unsure how to file a complaint or what information is required, you can contact MITA directly. We’ll guide you through the process, help clarify what should be reported, and ensure everything is properly documented. If you have any questions, email gregbrooks@thinkmita.org or call 517-507-2531.
Increasing accurate reporting—on both sides—is critical to improving safety and accountability across Michigan.
For MITA members, the takeaway is straightforward. Enforcement is increasing, expectations are being reinforced, and documentation matters more than ever. But beyond compliance, there is an opportunity here to help shape a more accurate picture of what is happening in the field.
That starts with doing the fundamentals right—obtaining a valid MISS DIG 811 ticket, verifying marks through potholing, maintaining proper clearance, and documenting work. But it also means speaking up when others are not meeting their legal obligations.
At MITA, we are committed to supporting our members through training, jobsite visits, and hands-on guidance. Our goal is not just to help you avoid complaints—it is to help prevent incidents altogether.
If you have questions, please contact Greg Brooks:
Greg Brooks | gregbrooks@thinkmita.org
