Electricity easements are corridors of land that provide electricity companies with the right of access on a permanent basis. This allows electricity companies to regularly, or immediately, inspect, maintain and repair powerlines to continue to provide a safe and reliable supply of electricity. Such easements are common not only going across rural land but also within the metropolitan areas. Within Sydney, popular suburbs such as West Pennant Hills, North Rocks, Carlingford and Cherrybrook also have many residential properties with easements.
The width of the easement will depend on the type of power line and in NSW, the following easement widths apply:
In most cases, the electricity company does not own the land contained within the easement but has the acquired rights for its use by agreement with the original land owner. The landowner has restricted use of the easement and the electricity company has the authority to restrict the activities that can be carried out on easements.
Some of the activities that are often permitted within an electricity easement:
1. Agricultural activities, subject to restrictions in machinery height of under 4.3m
2. Most domestic recreational activities (excluding the flying of kites and model aircraft)
3. Gardening, provided that mature plant height is under 4m
4. Vehicle parking, provided vehicle height is under 4.3m
5. Storage of non-flammable materials, under 2.5m
6. Minor structures under 2.5m such as washing lines or barbecues (provided that metallic parts are earthed)
Some of the activities that may be permitted within an electricity easement:
1. Operation of machinery exceeding 4.3m
2. Building of fencing and yards
3. Landscaping
4. Use of irrigation equipment
5. Installation of utilities such as electricity, telephone and water
6. Outbuildings such as sheds, stables, garages and carports
7. Additions of unroofed verandas and pergolas to residences
8. Sporting and recreational facilities (including tennis courts)
9. Swimming pools, if the pool is not within 30m of a transmission line structure
10. The development of subdivisions (including the constructions of roads)
11. Excavation
12. Quarrying activities, earthworks and dam construction
Some of the activities that are often not permitted within an electricity easement:
1. The construction of houses, buildings or other substantial structures
2. The installation of fixed plant or equipment
3. The storage of flammable materials or explosives
4. The storage of garbage materials or fallen timber
5. Planting vegetation with a mature height which exceeds 4m
6. Any obstructions placed within 15m of a transmission line structure or supporting ropes, wires or chains
7. Flying of kites or model aircraft
