What is GUCC?

The Georgia Utilities Coordinating Council is an extension of the Utility Location and Coordination Council of the American Public Works Association. Members of this statewide committee include employees from a variety of utility companies such as telephone, power, gas, cable TV, water authorities and railroads as well as employees of government agencies, utility construction companies, independent industry consultants, locate technicians and Georgia 811.

What is its Purpose?

The purpose of GUCC is to promote and encourage the establishment of utility location and coordination committees on a local level, as well as address areas and topics of concern for all stakeholders.
• Establishment and guidance of local committees.
• Foster communication among its stake holders
• Promote and foster safe working conditions
• Reduce the number and severity of accidents
• Minimize inconveniences to the public
• Effect economies related to utility activities including contractors, regulatory and utility officials and the general public.

What is Utility Coordination?

Utility Coordination is the continuous, direct, cooperative process where by utility companies and public agencies exchange information. Issues are resolved by working in an orderly manner to secure unified plans of action in the pursuit of the common purposes.

What types of projects and programs are undertaken by a local committee?

Generally, utility location and coordination committee projects and committee programs depend on local conditions. However, all are founded in a spirit of cooperation by responsible parties who recognize that all improvements in their related activities require a great deal of communication.
A Sample listing of typical projects and programs is listed below:
• Coordinate scheduling of utility and highway improvement projects
• Promote development of excavation notification programs
• Establish standards for field markings of utility facilities, locations for sub-surface utility facilities’ damage records
• Coordinate capital improvement programming and budgeting
• Review long-range community development plans
• Improve permit and inspection procedures

What are the benefits of a Utility Location and Coordination Committee?

The benefits associated with a utility location and coordination committee are limited only by the level of activity of its members and degree of support provided by participating companies and public agencies. Some of the most apparent benefits it can offer include:
• Shorter construction and maintenance
• A voice in state standards and legislature
• Reduced rates of excavator-related damage and injury to utility facilities, motorist,workmen and others
• More orderly and economical planning,placement of utility and street facilities
• Improved public-images of participating organizations.