Distribution Rights of Way

Distribution lines carry electricity from local substations to the homes and businesses that we serve. These lines can be located underground, or overhead on utility poles.

Distribution rights of way are easements obtained from local communities or property owners that allow electric, telephone, cable TV, water and gas utilities to build and maintain service lines. Duke Energy Progress obtains distribution rights of way to construct, maintain and operate distribution power lines. Duke Energy Progress distribution line rights of way are typically 30 feet wide - or 15 feet on either side of the right-of-way centerline.

Duke Energy Progress maintains more than 40,000 miles of overhead power lines. Trees and other vegetation can pose a potential reliability and safety hazard to these lines if they are not managed proactively. Overhead distribution lines are the lines that most commonly experience outages due to trees and other vegetation.

The easements obtained by Duke Energy Progress grant us the right to clear any tree that poses a threat to the safety of the public and the reliable operation of the line. Danger trees include those that are dead, diseased or damaged, and/or pose a threat to the safe and reliable operation of the line. Danger trees can be located inside or outside of the Duke Energy Progress right of way.