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Real property

utility easements

Public utility companies (gas, electricity, telephone, water, sewer, cable, etc.) often have easements to place utility transmission, distribution, or power lines on private property and access them for installation, repair, and maintenance—including removing or trimming trees that might interfere with transmission or distribution power lines, for example. These easements are known as utility easements or public utility easements.

In West Virginia, public utility companies are granted utility easements to install, repair, and maintain their infrastructure on private property. These easements allow utilities to run gas, electricity, telephone, water, sewer, and cable lines across private lands. The easements are typically established through agreements with property owners or by law, and they are recorded in property deeds or land records. Utility companies have the right to access the easement area for the purpose of maintaining and servicing their lines, which includes the right to remove or trim trees that may interfere with utility lines. Property owners cannot build structures or otherwise impede the utility's access to the easement. If a property owner and a utility company cannot agree on the terms of an easement, the utility may be able to obtain the easement through eminent domain proceedings, where the utility must prove the easement is necessary for public use and provide just compensation to the property owner.

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Real property

utility easements

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Real property

utility easements