As a member-owned cooperative, United Power works hard to balance the needs of our members while delivering safe and reliable electric service. One of the essential aspects of maintaining power lines and utility infrastructure is having access to the designated areas known as utility easements and rights-of-way. Understanding these terms can help property owners make informed decisions about their land and landscaping.

What is a Right-of-Way?

A right-of-way is a specific area of land that gives United Power the legal right to build, operate, and maintain electric lines and equipment. This space allows our crews to safely access the property to perform maintenance, make repairs, and restore power during outages or emergencies.

A right-of-way may be owned by United Power or granted through a utility easement on private property. While the terms “right-of-way” and “easement” are often used together, the right-of-way refers to the physical area, and the easement refers to the legal right that allows United Power to use that area.

Please note: United Power is not a title company and cannot confirm property boundaries or guarantee the existence of easements. However, our land team is happy to review your property information and help point you in the right direction.

Vegetation in Utility Rights-of-Way

Utility rights-of-way must be kept clear so that crews are able to access equipment for maintenance and repair. United Power maintains a minimum of 10 feet of clearance on either side of utility equipment within the right-of-way and trims or removes vegetation growing under power lines.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Utility easements are usually recorded on your property’s plat map or deed. United Power can check our records to see if one exists, but only your county or a title company can provide official confirmation.

Yes. It is common for electric, gas, water, sewer, and communication providers to share the same easement. Each utility has rights to access and maintain their facilities. In most cases gas and electric are separate but may be located next to each other with proper spacing between for safety. 

Permanent structures should not be placed in a utility easement. United Power may need access at any time, and anything built in the easement could be removed at the property owner’s expense.

In some cases, easements can be relocated or modified, but it requires United Power’s review and formal approval. The process often involves surveys, legal documentation, and recording a new easement with the county. Contact our Land Rights team for guidance.
 

Most utility easements are permanent and remain with the land, even if ownership of the land changes. For details on a specific easement, please check your title documents or county records.

An easement does not always mean there are active facilities in place. United Power can confirm if we have electric facilities in your easement, but for a complete check –  including locating other utilities – always contact 811.

Always call 811 or visit www.811colorado.org before you dig. This service will mark underground utilities and help prevent damage, service outages, or serious injury.

Know What's Below

Always call 811 or visit www.colorado811.org before you dig. 

Easement & Property Inquiry Form

Important Notices

  • United Power is not a title company and cannot guarantee the accuracy of easement or property records.
  • We can provide information from our records regarding United Power's facilities, but for official easement documentation, please contact your county or a licensed title company.
  • Always call 811 before digging to have underground utilities located.
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