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 an agreement that allows a utility company to use or access a portion of property according to the terms of an easement. These agreements ensure that United Power can maintain its power lines, make necessary repairs, and restore service efficiently in the event of an outage or emergency.

What is an Easement?
Easements are designated areas for the access of overhead and underground utilities, typically established when a lot or neighborhood is first platted. These easements ensure utility companies provide service in the most efficient and cost-effective manner by running utility lines in straight paths rather than navigating around individual properties.

For easement questions or assistance, please submit an Easement & Property Inquiry using the form below , or contact the cooperative's Land Rights team. 

Please note: United Power is not a title company and cannot guarantee the accuracy of property records. We are happy to review what we have on file, but for official documentation, members should contact their county or a licensed title company.

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.

Call 811

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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