Transmission Line Easements

Transmission line easements restrict the by right land use of private property, even if a use would be permitted by the electric company,  it would be governed by a Consent Agreement which would have to be requested and documented. Transmission easements affect a property – in perpetuity. 

In the case of privately owned property,  it affects the generational wealth of the property owner and their family. 

For  example from the Dominion Transmission easement restrictions (downloadable below) : 

The following types of Encroachments will generally be denied by the Rights of Way Management of the Company:

• Buildings, building extensions, building additions, or any portion of a building .  By  way of example and not limitation, the following items generally will not be approved: homes, offices, garages, dams, sheds, roof overhangs, gutters, balconies, decks, porches, and covered patios; 
• Playground equipment; Swimming pools, wells, septic tanks, drain fields (to include engineered systems),fuel tanks, and propane tanks;  HVAC units;  Satellite dishes and television antennas;
• Stored trailers, motor homes/recreational vehicles (RV’s), and inoperable vehicles; Most watercraft 
• Sprinkler systems (excluding drip systems), Retaining walls; Storm water ponds, BMP’s, retention ponds, or any man-made pond; 
• Burial sites, family plots, and cemeteries. 
• Dumpsters and trash receptacles; Debris, scrap or waste materials, fill, spoil material, stumps, large boulders, concrete debris, asphalt debris, and construction debris; Building materials;
• Any type of fire or burning;
• Solar panels;
• Fire hydrants;

The above is just the tip of the ice berg. The presence and proximity to one or more HVAC transmission rows severely restricts not only the aesthetics and enjoyment of the property but the development of the property. 

A 765kV on V-structs with guyed-wires in a new 200’ easement (as has been proposed for our area) precludes using large sections of a property for farming or vineyards. 

For context a space 200’ x 200’ = 1 acre. Individual properties would be rendered un-fit for many of the agricultural and tourism businesses otherwise allowed by-right on those properties.