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 Learn About Rights-of-Way
NU, through its operating companies Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P), Western Massachusetts Electric (WMECo) and Public Service of New Hampshire (PSNH), manages nearly 1,900 miles of transmission line corridors or rights-of-way. Several of the companies’ policies related to rights-of-way use and maintenance are outlined in the following documents.
Permitted & Non-Permitted Use on Transmission Rights-of-Way
This policy document outlines CL&P and WMECo’s position on permitted and non-permitted uses on transmission rights-of-way. It explains how to have a proposed use evaluated, including instructions on how to request a "Permitted Use Application.”
Permitted & Non-Permitted Use on Transmission Rights-of-Way (CL&P and WMECo)  (860KB)
Restrictions on ATVs and Snowmobiles in Transmission Rights-of-Way
This policy document outlines CL&P, WMECo and PSNH's position on the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on transmission rights-of-way. NU's general policy is not to grant permission, written or verbal, for use of ATVs and snowmobiles on transmission rights-of-way.
Restrictions on ATVs and Snowmobiles in Transmission Rights-of-Way (CL&P, WMECo and PSNH) (230KB)
Vegetation for Transmission Rights-of-Way
This policy document provides guidance to owners of property that abuts rights-of-way on where and what may be planted to remain compatible with the safe operation of the system and the safety of electric system workers and the public.
Vegetation for Transmission Rights-of-Way (CL&P, WMECo and PSNH) (2.3MB)
For more information on types and locations of plantings compatible with transmission rights-of-way, use this Tree and Shrub Planting Guide (4MB). (Click on selections in the table of contents for information on a particular tree or shrub, or use the bookmarks in the left-hand column to find other sections of the guide.) Read more about vegetation management practices in these rights-of-way.
Herbicide Use on Transmission Rights-of-Way
This policy outlines the use of herbicides within CL&P and WMECo’s vegetation management program, as well as the controls and best practices accompanying that use. NU adheres to all local, state and federal regulations pertaining to the use of herbicides and has been recognized by state agencies and the EPA for its vegetation management strategies.
Herbicide Use on Rights-of-Way (CL&P and WMECo) (234KB)
Making Requests for Wood
As part of any new transmission line construction project, CL&P and WMECo must remove vegetation from transmission line rights-of-way. During this process, owners of property that abuts the rights-of-way being cleared are offered the opportunity to retain cut wood for their personal use. This document outlines the process by which property owners can request wood.
Making Requests for Wood (CL&P and WMECo) (173KB)
Managing Access to Transmission Rights-of-Way
Where transmission rights-of-way cross public roads and private property and are readily accessible to the public, CL&P, WMECo and PSNH will work with property owners to determine if entry barriers will help deter unauthorized access. This document provides an overview of how such barriers are managed.
Managing Access to Transmission Rights-of-Way (CL&P, WMECo and PSNH) (177KB)
Transmission Right-of-Way Activities in Agricultural Lands
Where transmission lines span agricultural lands, NU works closely with property owners to protect their farmland while maintaining the right-of-way for utility transmission and distribution uses. This document provides an overview of some routine practices pertaining to agricultural lands.
Transmission Right-of-Way Activities in Agricultural Lands (CL&P, WMECo and PSNH) (339KB)
Transmission Rights-of-Way Restoration
This policy document outlines CL&P, WMECo and PSNH's position on the companies' efforts to avoid or minimize disturbances to a landowner's property during transmission line maintenance and construction activities and restore property, if needed, to its pre-construction condition. Transmission Rights-of-Way Restoration (CL&P, WMECo and PSNH). (260KB)
Rights-of-Way Acquisition
Understanding Rights-of-Way and Easements
To provide electrical service to its customers, CL&P and WMECo own and maintain transmission lines throughout Connecticut and western Massachusetts. These transmission lines are primarily located on land that is owned by third parties (homeowners and businesses) over which CL&P or WMECo has acquired a property interest that is referred to as a "right-of-way" or "easement."
Most of CL&P’s and WMECo’s transmission lines are located on rights-of-way that were acquired decades ago. At the time these easements were acquired, CL&P or WMECo compensated the owner of the land crossed by the right-of-way and acquired permanent easement rights, which remain intact even upon a sale of the land. Therefore, anyone who purchases land that is crossed by a CL&P or WMECo right-of-way acquires that land subject to CL&P’s or WMECo’s permanent easement rights. Potential land owners have advance notice of utility-owned rights-of-way because easement documents are filed on the appropriate land records for each town, and can be identified as part of a routine title search.
CL&P’s and WMECo’s Rights within the Right-of-Way
The easement documents recorded on the land records outline CL&P’s and WMECo’s rights within the right-of-way, which usually include, among other things, the ability to trim or remove any trees. In addition to those rights specified in the easement document, CL&P and WMECo have all rights necessary to implement those rights. For example, a typical CL&P or WMECo easement states that the company has the right to construct transmission facilities. Since the construction of those facilities requires the use of equipment, CL&P or WMECo can operate construction equipment within its right-of-way, even though this activity is not specifically referenced in the easement document.
The Rights of Property Owners within the Right-of-Way
As a general rule, the owner of a property that is crossed by a right-of-way can still use the property for his/her own personal use as long as such usage does not interfere with CL&P’s or WMECo’s rights or use of its easement.
A property owner may plant grass in the right-of-way if he/she so chooses. However, a property owner cannot construct or place anything within the right-of-way that might interfere with CL&P's or WMECo's facilities. Similarly, a property owner cannot construct or place anything that might interfere with CL&P's or WMECo's right and ability to pass freely over the right-of-way in the course of maintaining its existing lines or constructing new lines. For instance, a property owner could not construct a wall or fence that blocks passage along the right-of-way.
For More Information
To learn more, contact ROWInquiry@nu.com.
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