Cross posted on the RE board, but easements are Outdoors

Is it even possible to modify (narrow) a long standing easement of an LCRA transmission line? While I search for the right attorney to pursue this quest, I'm attempting to inform myself on this area of the law. I have observed the existence of similar power lines with much narrower easements, based upon either fencing that delineate them, or the existence of structures in close proximity to them.

The one (it's actually two, side by side) I am concerned with is 175' wide, yet the monopoles that support the lines are only 60' apart. I'd like to obtain a release for the 110' of excess. I'm just curious about the disparity between similar lines I have observed elsewhere, and motivated to reconcile it. TIA

BoerneGator said:

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Cross posted on the RE board, but easements are Outdoors

Is it even possible to modify (narrow) a long standing easement of an LCRA transmission line? While I search for the right attorney to pursue this quest, I'm attempting to inform myself on this area of the law. I have observed the existence of similar power lines with much narrower easements, based upon either fencing that delineate them, or the existence of structures in close proximity to them.

The one (it's actually two, side by side) I am concerned with is 175' wide, yet the monopoles that support the lines are only 60' apart. I'd like to obtain a release for the 110' of excess. I'm just curious about the disparity between similar lines I have observed elsewhere, and motivated to reconcile it. TIA

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I'm not aware of any regulatory reason why the easement would be 110' wider than necessary, maybe for construction & maintenance equipment.

It's a contract between the landowner and LCRA so it could be amended but what is the motivation for LCRA to do so?

At this point, PR may be "the leader in the clubhouse". Please do not begrudge me my whimsical thoughts.

Thanks for the good wishes, Gunny!

Boerne G. If that transmission line is the one that originated up by Mc Camey, we had one of the paths they chose running through our ranch. Ultimately they chose a different route but I remember the original width of the easement they wanted as between 175'-200'. (I think) That was what they were negotiating with us landowners back then. If that helps in any way sir.

It's an offshoot of it, no doubt. But that line is the original source, yes.

I work for Austin Energy but if it's 69/138 kV line then easements are usually 60 to 100 Feet. If it's 345 kV then easements usually 100 to 150 Feet. These are typical industry standards but the utility can come up with whatever feet they want.


For your legal reading give the Texas Supreme Court case Southwestern Electric Power Company v. Lynch a read.

There are some minimum requirements for lines depending on the kV of the line, tower structure, tower spacing, etc. Something hvtl easements have to account for is line sway in heavy wind. They also want to have enough space so you don't end up with the fiasco that California has with hvtl lines causing fires.

Thanks for the information and the reference.