Shouldn’t you already have an easement on file? Why do you need a new one?

All SVEC members have conveyed certain rights-of-way in prescribed easements by virtue of the allowance for public service utilities to operate as granted by the Code of Virginia. These prescribed easements are further supported by the Terms and Conditions for Providing Electric Distribution Service between SVEC and its members to assure we can perform maintenance, make improvements and/or add attachments to our poles or underground infrastructure as part of the electric grid. In most cases, existing easements are inclusive of all facilities necessary for power or telecommunications distribution and on record in the locality clerk of the court office.

However, in the case of older areas of SVEC service, prior to 1968, easements may not be officially recorded or lack telecommunication attachment as allowed. SVEC cannot deny attachment to its poles by other public service companies, such as telephone, or communication related business, such as broadband. The current effort to expand broadband is prompting SVEC to review all easements with members, and some may need to be updated to reflect the current legal environment.