Great River Energy :: Delivering Electricity

STOP! Call Great River Energy before planting in the right of way.

Building or planting

For the safety and reliability of the electric system, we must keep a certain amount of distance around power lines clear of anything that may make contact or near-contact with a power line. This includes buildings and tall-growing trees. Great River Energy works to meet or exceed industry standards, including those outlined in the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and required by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). Such requirements are designed to keep our electrical system safe and reliable.

You must call Great River Energy before planting any trees or building any structures in transmission line right of way areas. We are required to maintain a proper clearance and we do not want to have to remove your new addition.

Q. How much of a clearance do you need for safe operation?

A. The larger the power line, the larger the clearance required. Transmission lines operate at high enough voltages that actual contact with an object may not be necessary to cause an outage. Additionally, summer temperatures and higher electric use cause lines to sag, sometimes as much as 5 to 10 feet. We need to maintain 15- to 20-foot clearances between transmission lines and trees or other objects, and sometimes more. See diagram at bottom of page.

Q. Can I plant anything in the right of way area?

A. DO NOT plant any trees in the right of way area before talking to Great River Energy. Great River Energy is obligated to maintain proper clearances within the right of way and we do not want to have to remove your new tree.

Activities in the right of way that do not interfere with the safe construction, operation and maintenance of the line are permitted. For example, you can use the land for:

Pastureland
Farming
Gardening

Q. Can buildings be built beneath a power line?

A. Generally, buildings are not permitted within the easement area for a few reasons:

The building may interfere with access to the line for maintenance and emergency repairs.
A fire in a building within the easement area could damage the transmission line.
A building may be closer to a line than electrical codes allow.

Q. Are there any hazards to existing metal buildings after a power line is constructed?

A. Again, Great River Energy designs transmission lines to meet or exceed safety codes, including those specified in the National Electrical Safety Code and required by NERC. If you plan to construct, or have constructed, a metal building near a transmission line, contact Great River Energy. If you have concerns as to whether or not a building is properly grounded or need information on proper grounding requirements, contact your local electric utility or Great River Energy.