Working with Landowners
Transmission Line Easements and Rights-of-Way
Energy companies build transmission lines to serve customers, connect new generation sources, and help ensure the reliable delivery of electricity to customers. The area around a transmission line is called a right-of-way (ROW) and is governed by an easement, a legal document noting that is recorded with the property.
At the start of the routing and regulatory processes, project team members will meet with landowners at open houses or other meetings to discuss the project. Landowners will be notified of these opportunities through mailings and other communications.
As potential routes develop, we may seek “rights of entry” which allow permission to complete survey activities such as—environmental and land boundary surveys and possibly soil borings—along potential transmission line routes.
As routes are finalized, we will work with landowners to secure the rights needed to construct, operate and maintain the transmission line. These rights are typically obtained through an “easement”, and in some cases, utilities may first negotiate an “option” before acquiring the easement.
What are ROW?
ROW are the actual land areas acquired for a specific purpose such as a transmission line, roadway or other infrastructure. We anticipate an easement of up to 250 feet wide (125 feet on each side of the center of the structure) will be necessary for the new transmission line. Right of way is typically secured through negotiation and acquisition of a transmission line easement.
Can I still use the area in the ROW?
Land within the ROW may be used for any purpose that does not interfere with the construction, operation or maintenance of the transmission line. In agricultural areas, the land may continue to be used for crop production and pasture.
What is a transmission line easement?
An easement is a legal document that allows our team to construct, operate and maintain transmission structures and lines on your property while you maintain ownership and use of your land.
Get Involved
Community feedback is essential at every stage, so we encourage you to stay engaged throughout the process.
