Frequently Asked Questions

1. How wide are TVA’s transmission line rights-of-way?

Most of TVA’s transmission line rights-of-way are between 75 and 200 feet wide. Rights-of-way for multiple transmission lines are generally wider. In instances where a TVA transmission line is located near a property line, a portion of the width of the right-of-way may be on an adjacent property. Existing transmission lines are usually, but not always, located at the center of the right-of-way.

Standard Right-of-Way Widths

Of TVA’s 17,000 miles of transmission line, nearly 13,300 are 161-kilovolts (kV) or higher. Although right-of-way widths can vary, generally:

500-kV lines with two underbuilds commonly use a 200-foot right-of-way. (Underbuilds are transmission lines built under existing lines, using existing poles or structures as support.)
500-kV lines with a single underbuild commonly use a 175- to 200-foot right-of-way.
230-kV lines commonly use a 150-foot right-of-way.
161-kV single- or double-circuit lines commonly use a 100-foot right-of-way.
69-kV single-steel-pole lines commonly use a 75-foot right-of-way.

2. How can I find out the width of a TVA transmission line right-of-way on my property?

You can determine the width of the right-of-way from the easement document that is recorded in the county where your property is located. Most of the easements and rights-of-way for TVA’s transmission lines were acquired in the name of the United States and are entrusted to TVA. Older easements and rights-of-way may have been acquired by TVA’s predecessors and later transferred to the federal government for TVA’s use.

A property survey that you may have obtained when you bought your property also may show the width of the right-of-way; however, the easement document is the legally binding one. The easement document is based on the property boundaries as they existed at the time the document was signed, not where the property lines are now.

3. Can I plant and grow trees on the transmission line right-of-way?

Generally, no. Almost all easement documents give TVA the perpetual right to keep the right-of-way clear of trees so that it can build, protect, operate, maintain, and rebuild transmission lines. Therefore, trees should not be grown within the right-of-way; however, in appropriate instances, TVA is willing to allow landowners to plant low-growing dogwood and redbud trees within right-of-way at locations agreed on by the landowners and TVA.

A number of native shrubs and grasses are appropriate for planting in utility rights-of-way. Read about them in these brochures.

Landscaping with native shrubs (PDF file, 879 kb)
Landscaping with native grasses (PDF file, 644 kb)

4. Does TVA have any responsibility for keeping its rights-of-way mowed and maintained?

Landowners are responsible for complying with city, county, and subdivision regulations regarding maintenance of their land, including that within a right-of-way. TVA has the perpetual right under most easement documents to clear rights-of-way and keep them clear of trees, brush, buildings, structures, and fire hazards. These rights were acquired only to allow for the construction, operation, maintenance, and rebuilding of transmission lines.

5. Does TVA clean up the trees after performing maintenance activities along its rights-of-way?

TVA has no legal obligation to clean up cut trees unless the area is a flood zone or a wetland; however, TVA has made it a practice to clean up cut trees in residential areas, crop fields, and pasture fields.

6. Does TVA have the right to cut a tree that is located outside a transmission line right-of-way?

Yes, if it is a “danger tree.” Almost all of the easement documents give TVA the right to cut such trees for the protection of the transmission line. A danger tree is any tree located outside the right-of-way that would come within five feet of an electric power circuit or hit a transmission line structure if it fell. (Some easement documents provide for a 10-foot distance.) TVA also has the permanent right under most easement documents to cut any portion of a tree that is located off the right-of-way but extends over it, regardless of the height of the tree.

7. Will TVA trim danger trees located outside the right-of-way rather than cutting them down?

Tree-trimming is a hazardous and expensive activity. Generally, TVA cuts danger trees instead of trimming them due to the expense and hazard of the maintenance. In certain situations, TVA may allow landowners to have a qualified person trim a particular tree at their expense.

8. Whom do I need to contact before I cut trees that are close to or within a TVA right-of-way?

Click on the area of the map where your property is located for the name, address, and telephone number of the TVA representative in your area.

9. Will TVA partner with me to maintain the transmission line right-of-way across my land?

In some instances, TVA will partner with property owners to maintain the right-of-way. If you are interested in a partnership arrangement, click on the map to find the TVA representative in your area.

10. Is TVA required to notify property owners before crews work on the right-of-way?

TVA does attempt to notify property owners of maintenance activities, but is not required to do so. Click on the map near where you live to see which lines are scheduled for maintenance this year.

11. Can I burn brush, trash, or debris within the transmission line right-of-way?

No. Fire and smoke may damage the transmission line or cause it to short out, interrupting electric power service to customers.

12. Can I store combustible materials on the right-of-way?

You should not store combustible materials on the right-of-way since these materials pose a potential fire hazard to the operation of the transmission line.

13. Are TVA transmission lines insulated? Can I operate equipment near the lines?

TVA transmission lines are insulated only by air. Everyone should stay clear of all transmission wires. Cotton or grain harvesters or dump trucks should not be raised near a transmission line. In addition, care should be taken to maintain a safe distance from electric wires when using backhoes, cranes, and other tall equipment. If you have questions about clearance, including whether placing fill within the right-of-way would violate TVA’s easement rights, please click on the map to find the TVA representative responsible for the right-of-way in your area.

14. Can I build or maintain buildings within the transmission line right-of-way?

Almost all easement documents prohibit the presence of buildings or other structures on the right-of-way.

15. Can I install a septic tank or field line within a transmission line right-of-way?

Yes, as long as the installation does not unreasonably interfere with TVA’s easement rights. A tank or field line should be installed deep enough that it would not be damaged by heavy maintenance vehicles and equipment going across the right-of-way. Before doing any of these activities, we recommend that you contact the TVA representative responsible for the right-of-way in your area. Also see Question 13.

16. Can I install a drainage ditch, pond, or backfill, or excavate within the right-of-way?

Yes, as long as such activities do not unreasonably interfere with the ability of TVA and its contractors to go across the right-of-way or to perform construction and maintenance activities. Before doing any of these activities, we recommend that you contact the TVA representative responsible for the right-of-way in your area by clicking on the map. Also see Question 13.

17. Can I install a fence on the right-of-way?

Yes, as long as the type and location of the fence do not unreasonably interfere with TVA’s easement rights. For example, landowners can install agricultural-type fences, such as those made of three-strand barbed wire or woven-wire. More substantial fences, such as stone, brick, wrought iron, and chain link, present some difficulties. TVA representatives need to travel up and down the rights-of-way, so if fences of this type are constructed, 16-foot-wide gates may be required for TVA access. We recommend that you talk to a TVA representative (see map) for approval before installing fences across a right-of-way.

18. Will TVA assist landowners in problems with erosion or trespassing by hunters and four-wheelers?

TVA and its contractors are responsible only for repairing or paying for the repair of physical damage to land caused by TVA’s exercise of its easement rights. TVA is not responsible for erosion from other causes. TVA’s easement rights do not authorize it to take action against trespassers unless the trespassers’ actions interfere with those easement rights. Other trespassing issues are between the landowner and the trespasser.

19. What are some examples of acceptable uses by landowners of transmission line rights-of-way?

Landowners may use the right-of-way for any purpose that is not expressly prohibited by the easement document or does not unreasonably interfere with TVA’s easement rights. Examples of permissible uses include pasture, lawns, crops, gardens, driveways, and parking lots. If you have a question about a proposed use of a right-of-way, please contact the TVA representative in your area (see map). Also see Question 13.