Transmission Line Rights-of-Way Use Guidelines

Duke Energy Progress aims to provide safe, reliable and economical electrical service to all customers. Keeping electricity reliable requires unobstructed access for maintaining power lines, facilities and rights of way. If you wish to use a Duke Energy Progress transmission right of way, please contact an asset protection specialist at 919-329-5928 to discuss any proposed plans.

All landowners must adhere to any and all of the Transmission Use Guidelines listed below.

• Structures (any man-made assembly), equipment and storage may be allowed under limited circumstances – with prior written approval from an authorized Duke Energy Progress representative – if they meet all of the following criteria:
  • It is temporary and is easily and immediately movable at the owner's expense.
  • It does not restrict complete access and maintenance of line or right of way, or future use by Duke Energy Progress.
  • It does not adversely affect the safety of customers, company personnel or the general public.
  • It does not exceed 12 feet in height, and is not located under or within 15 feet of the outside conductor.
    
    Structures, equipment and storage include, but are not limited to, the following: buildings, sheds, storage facilities, trailers, billboards, signs, street or area lights, hunting stands, recreational facilities, dumpsters, satellite signal-receiver systems, items within storage facilities, garbage, trash, uprooted stumps, boulders, rubble, flammable material, building material, and junk or inoperable vehicles. Permanent or non-movable buildings, swimming pools, mobile homes and airstrips are not allowed within Duke Energy Progress rights of way.
• Immovable ground facilities may be allowed under limited circumstances – with prior written approval from an authorized Duke Energy Progress representative – if they meet all of the following criteria:
  • These facilities must cross the centerline of Duke Energy Progress transmission line at an angle of 45 degrees or greater, and the edge of the item should be at least 30 feet from any Duke Energy Progress structure or anchor.
  • All underground facilities must be capable of bearing the weight of Duke Energy Progress maintenance vehicles.
  • Manholes must be 30 or more inches above grade, unless in paved or graveled areas.
  • Fire hydrants, utility pedestals, or any other above ground facilities shall not be allowed directly under conductors or within 15 feet of the outside conductor.
    
    Immovable ground facilities include but are not limited to, the following: streets, roads, driveways, water and sewer lines, ditches and any underground facilities. If, during the construction of facilities, a customer cuts or damages the counter poise/grounding grid, the customer must reimburse Duke Energy Progress for the cost of repairs. Septic tanks and/or related drain fields, absorption pits, wells, burial grounds and underground vaults are not allowed within Duke Energy Progress rights of way.
• Parking lots may be constructed on Duke Energy Progress rights of way – with prior written approval from an authorized Duke Energy Progress representative – if they are in compliance with the following conditions:
  • A barrier adequate to protect the pole, tower or anchor will be erected by the party constructing the parking area, in such a manner as to restrict parking within at least 5 feet of the pole, tower or anchor.
  • Grading must be approved by Duke Energy Progress.
  • Lighting facilities must be approved by Duke Energy Progress.
  • Signs and other attachments to any Duke Energy Progress structure are prohibited.
    
• Grading will not be allowed without prior written approval from an authorized Duke Energy Progress representative. Access to Duke Energy Progress facilities must be maintained at all times. Any grading that allows water to pond or to cause erosion around any pole, tower or anchor is prohibited. Grading within 30 feet of any Duke Energy Progress structure or anchor will not be allowed. Slopes may not exceed a 1-foot rise/fall in elevation over a 4-feet horizontal distance (1:4 slope).
• Fences must be installed at least 10 feet away from poles or towers and cannot exceed 8 feet in height. Fences may not be attached to Duke Energy Progress poles or towers. If Duke Energy Progress' ability to travel up and down the right of way is impeded, the property owner must install a 12-foot gate(s).
• Lakes, ponds, erosion control facilities and dams may be allowed, with prior written approval from an authorized Duke Energy Progress representative, if they do not interfere with Duke Energy Progress' access and/or maintenance requirements.
• Trees, shrubs, bushes, hedges, low-growing evergreens, flowers, grasses, low-growing shrubs or gardens that exist or are planted within Duke Energy Progress' transmission line rights of way must not exceed a maximum height of 12 feet at maturity. Any existing tree that can mature at a height greater than 12 feet or potentially interfere with the safe and reliable operation of the line will be evaluated for removal. Duke Energy Progress does not object to property owners planting trees or other vegetation on transmission easements, provided it matures at a height of 12 feet or shorter, does not interfere with Duke Energy Progress’ access and/or maintenance requirements and is not directly under the conductor. It should also be understood that in the future it may be necessary to cut such trees if switches, structures or other line facilities need to be installed. If plantings do not meet these criteria, they will be considered an encroachment into the right of way and will require an encroachment application with written approval; otherwise, the plantings may be subject to removal during maintenance activities. A list of low-growing vegetation approved for planting on transmission rights of way is available at Before You Plant.
• No item shall be allowed on Duke Energy Progress' rights of way that violates the National Electrical Safety Code.
• No burning activities are allowed in rights of way.