1. What is a utility easement?
2. Why must BGE restrict activities within easement areas?
3. How do I know if there are any easements on my property?
4. How does an easement affect what I can do with my property?
5. What are my responsibilities regarding utility easements?

What is a utility easement?

An easement is the right held by BGE, and other utilities, to control the use of your land near overhead and underground power lines, gas pipelines and substations. We hold this right for your own safety and to allow our staff to work on the facilities at all times. BGE needs utility easements so we can maintain and safely operate power lines and gas facilities.

Why must BGE restrict activities within easement areas?

In order for us to continue to provide safe and reliable energy, BGE is required to keep clear the easement areas around its gas and electric facilities. This is to both protect the safety of the residents who live, work and play near the lines; and to protect the equipment from damage and permit us to easily access any damaged equipment.

How do I know if there are any easements on my property?

Check the title information to your property for specifics. Most easements are recorded and should have been identified by your title company when you bought your home. If your title doesn't reference a utility easement and you have local distribution lines or high voltage facilities crossing your property, check with BGE if you plan to use any portion of the area in proximity to the lines. Note that high voltage facilities require a greater amount of land for the easement than do the local distribution lines.

How does an easement affect what I can do with my property?

An easement affects the use of your property by controlling what you can build, if trees can be planted, how trees and other vegetation may be maintained, and what outdoor activities you can carry out on the easement. Examples of permitted uses of the easements are gardens, patrol by law enforcement officials and farming. Examples of non-permitted uses are structures, swimming pools and septic fields or wells. Why? Because these uses may create personal safety problems, and will jeopardize our ability to provide you with safe and reliable energy services.

What are my responsibilities regarding utility easements?

You must provide a continuous, unobstructed area around the easement to allow BGE's access to power lines, transformers and other equipment at all times. And remember, for you own safety never place a swimming pool under power lines. Also, before adding an addition or shed look at your property to see if there are lines or buried line markers visible; check your title information for restrictions, and if either are present, call BGE at 410-685-0123 or 1-800-685-0123. Remember, most counties will require you to show above ground or underground utilities on the drawings that you submit for your permits, and in all cases you should call Miss Utility at 1-800-257-7777 or visit MISSUTILITY.NET before you dig anywhere on your property.