Georgia Power has easement rights to the majority of its utility corridors; in fact, very few miles of transmission rights-of-way are company-owned.
Acceptable Use vs. Encroachment
Certain uses of Georgia Power easements or property will not interfere with the transmission right-of-way as long as standards of use are observed. Agricultural, horticultural or grazing activities are authorized by the underlying property owner, but will be monitored by our crews. These uses do not require a written agreement except when they are proposed on property owned by the company in fee.
An encroachment of Georgia Power's right-of-way is any use or activity within the transmission right-of-way that restricts (in any way) the full use or purpose for which the right-of-way was established.
General consideration should be given to maintain a minimum undisturbed area within a 25-foot radius from the structure and/or attachment locations. Additional space may be required if circumstances warrant. Any use should always
- Avoid undermining structures or anchors
- Keep access to the right-of-way and facilities open
- Protect guy wires and anchors
- Protect any buried facilities on the right-of-way
- Meet or exceed National Electric Safety Code (NESC) standards
- Cross perpendicular (90 degrees) to the right-of-way
Use of Easements
Georgia Power will accommodate reasonable uses of our easements and fee property. Uses that interfere with, obstruct, restrict or endanger the use of our rights-of-way, fee property and transmission facilities will not be permitted in order to preserve our right to construct, replace, operate, maintain, reconstruct and access power and communication lines in a safe and timely manner.
The following activities are examples of uses that may be permitted provided certain standards are observed and an agreement is properly executed:
- Fills
- Grading
- Drainage ditches
- Streets, roads, driveways
- Recreational activities
- Parking
- Lakes and ponds
- Fences
- Certain utilities
Right of Way Resources
Containment Letter
Easement Application
Encroachment Application
Lease Application
Quitclaim Request
Right-of-Entry Application
High-Voltage Safety Act Information
High-Voltage Safety Act Information - Spanish
Right-of-Way Encroachment Information
Agricultural Use of Right-of-Way
Request to Purchase Property
Example Documents
Fence Crossing
Fence
Structure Number Location
Water Line
Blank Drawing Template
Prohibited Activities
The following are examples of uses that are not permissible:
- Fueling and permanent storage of fuel facilities
- Use as a runway for landing and takeoff of any aviation equipment
- Swimming pools
- Signboards exceeding 15 feet in height
- Permanent structures of any kind
- Septic tanks
- House trailers
- Dumps, junkyards, garbage receptacles, recycling centers and solid waste burial
- Outdoor lighting not owned/maintained by an electrical utility
- Wells
Use by Parties Other Than the Property Owner
These uses may be permitted under specified circumstances:
- Sewer, water and gas lines
- Electrical distribution lines
- Telecommunications and cable TV
- Railroad spur tracks
