An easement gives one party the right to go onto another party's property. That property may be owned by a private person, a business entity, or a group of owners. Utilities often get easements that allow them to run pipes or phone lines beneath private property. Easements may be obtained for access to another property, called "access and egress", use of spring water, entry to make repairs on a fence or slide area, drive cattle across and other uses. The easement is a real property interest, but separate from the legal title of the owner of the underlying land.
A Wisconsin utility easement is a legal arrangement that grants the utility company the right to use a specific portion of land for the installation, repair, and maintenance of utility infrastructure. This easement allows the utility company to access the property to carry out their operations, ensuring the proper functioning of essential services like electricity, water, gas, sewerage, telecommunications, and cable TV. In Wisconsin, there are different types of utility easements, each serving a specific purpose. These include: 1. Electric Easements: This type of easement is granted to electric utility companies to establish, operate, and maintain power transmission lines, substations, transformers, and other related equipment. 2. Water and Sewer Easements: Water utility companies and municipal authorities are granted these easements to construct, operate, and maintain water supply lines, wastewater pipelines, pump stations, and wells. These easements help ensure the efficient delivery of clean water and proper disposal of sewage. 3. Gas Easements: Gas utility companies acquire gas easements to install and maintain natural gas pipelines, meters, regulators, and associated equipment. These easements play a crucial role in the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to homes, businesses, and industries. 4. Telecommunications Easements: Telecommunication companies, including telephone, cable TV, internet service providers, and fiber optic network providers, may obtain easements to install infrastructure such as cables, wires, transmission towers, and equipment necessary for communication services. 5. Right-of-Way Easements: These are specifically used for transportation utilities like roads, highways, and railways. They grant rights to construct and maintain infrastructure necessary for transportation purposes, including bridges, culverts, and other facilities. It is important to note that while these utility easements grant rights to utility companies, they do not transfer ownership or full control of the land. The landowner retains ownership but must allow reasonable access to the utility companies for their authorized activities within the defined easement area. In Wisconsin, utility easements are typically established through written agreements or contracts between the utility company and the property owner. These agreements specify the terms, limitations, and rights of both parties involved, ensuring the proper and lawful use of the easement area while protecting the rights and interests of the property owner.
