Right of Way Management
A right of way is a corridor created through perpetual easements acquired from the landowner which Santee Cooper uses to build and maintain electric transmission facilities in order to serve our customers. Santee Cooper performs regular maintenance on its rights of way for safe and reliable operation of our utility system. A clear right of way allows:
- Unrestricted entry and safe access to all facilities at all times for regular maintenance and during emergency situations
- Preventing third-party damage
- Easy identification and monitoring of transmission facilities
- Uninterrupted power supply
Santee Cooper maintains over 5,100 miles of electric transmission lines in South Carolina. Santee Cooper strives to safeguard the reliability of our power line grid and our customers' electric service. We do this with a cost-effective system that balances our customers’ needs and respects the natural environment surrounding our facilities. This system requires that we restrict and control certain activities within our rights of way.
Encroachment Management
Santee Cooper’s Encroachment Management is responsible for the removal, review and approval of utility encroachments within the Santee Cooper easement.
Ground Floor Management
Santee Cooper’s Ground Floor Management is responsible for the maintenance of all ground floor vegetation management within the Santee Cooper rights of way.
Tree Management
Santee Cooper’s Tree Management is responsible for the removal and trimming of all hazard trees and maintaining the periphery of the Santee Cooper rights of way.
Distribution Right of Way Management
Tree limbs can cause unnecessary power outages when they contact distribution power lines. As part of our commitment to the environment, Santee Cooper performs tree trimming and vegetation control to protect the health of individual trees, redirect growth away from the power lines, and encourage plant and wildlife biodiversity. Take a close look at the power lines that serve your home or business. If you notice tree limbs that are touching the power lines, you can report them by calling 800-804-7424, option “4” to be connected with a customer service representative.
Permissible/Non-permissible Guidelines