Encroachment Management
Encroachments are classified as any physical change and/or addition to the right of way, other than Santee Cooper activities, after the initial clearing of a utility right of way. Santee Cooper Encroachment Management is responsible for managing the perpetual easements that were acquired for the safe and reliable transmission of electricity to our customers. It is essential that these power line easements remain available for present and future use to ensure that facilities located within transmission easements can be inspected, maintained and operated safely and reliably.
No encroachment should be placed within the easement without first consulting with Santee Cooper and obtaining written approval. Encroachment Management must review and issue written approval of all changes within the utility's rights of way to ensure public safety, employee safety, protect easement rights and meet all federal regulations. Please review Permissible/Non-Permissible Guidelines for permitted and non-permitted encroachments.
For additional information, please submit any questions to EncroachmentManagement@santeecooper.com.
Encroachment Requests
Frequently Asked Questions
An easement is a legal document that grants certain rights to the utility in order to maintain, operate and future construct transmission lines. These easements are of perpetual nature which means they transfer from owner to owner. A copy of your easement may be found in the county records in which the easement is located.
Yes. Santee Cooper must review any work being done within the easement to ensure it does not violate any NESC (National Electric Safety Code) regulations and does not impact any easement rights. Once review is completed, a written approval will be given.
Unfortunately, not all encroachments can be permitted. If they have not been properly reviewed and received written approval they are classified as Non-Permissible Encroachments. This letter is an enforcement letter stating the encroachment and the issue it has caused or will cause. Please follow the instructions from the letter and contact the Encroachment Management employee listed within the letter to discuss further actions.