Power line routes – principles for determining transmission easement lanes

Power lines are an integral facilities around buildings. However, they cannot be placed in arbitrary locations. Conversely, the location of new buildings is also subject to certain restrictions, which are influenced by the routing of power lines. On what basis are power line routes and transmission easement determined?

Power lines – division and function

Power lines are basic parts of the electricity network. They are used to transmit electricity between different points on the network. For example, highest voltage lines (400, 220 kV) are used to transmit energy from power plants to substations. High voltage lines are used to distribute energy from substations to the grid connection point (GCP). On the other hand, low voltage lines, which transmit and distribute energy from MV/LV transformer stations, are used to distribute electricity to households.

Factors influencing the routes of power lines

What factors influence power line routes? Much depends on the current situation “in the field”. If overhead lines are to pass close to existing buildings, their route may be influenced by existing infrastructure. In such situations, locating power networks is difficult and requires appropriate design in accordance with all standards and regulations.

In the case of new buildings, the matter is somewhat easier, as the new building under construction must take into account existing lines and network facilities (e.g. distance from poles and power cables) and it is necessary to comply with all line routing and building law standards during construction.

Medium voltage power line and house construction

Another issue to pay attention to is the route of the medium voltage line versus the construction of the house. If a medium voltage line runs through the plot, the construction of a house may be difficult. According to Polish regulations, the distance of a building from a medium voltage cable line from 1 to 45 kV must be at least 5.2 metres, while an overhead line must be at least 3 metres. This can pose a major challenge for an investment, especially when dealing with a plot of land with a small area. You can read more about this in our article Medium voltage power line and building a house.

Polish standards regarding the route of power lines

In Poland, there are special standards regarding the route of overhead power lines in the context of their distance from buildings. The course is determined by, among others: voltage values, but also the type of wire insulation. Detailed information on determining the distance from power lines is included in the standards:

• PN-EN 50341-1:2013-03 – general requirements and specifications for alternating current overhead power lines above 1 kV
• PN-EN 50341-2-22:2022-06 – part two of the standard regarding national normative conditions for Poland; applies to overhead alternating current power lines above 1 kV
• SEP N SEP-E-003 – defines the principles of design and construction of alternating current overhead power lines with fully insulated and semi-insulated cables

Transmission easement

In the context of the route of power lines, transmission easements should also be taken into account. What is this? This is a right established for the benefit of an entrepreneur dealing in the transmission or distribution (e.g. of electricity), thanks to which the proper operation of the electricity infrastructure is possible (e.g. maintenance, repairs). On this basis, the entrepreneur can take any actions that are necessary for the proper functioning of the power line. Transmission easement is regulated in the provisions of the Civil Code.

Transmission easement lane

The basic issues related to the easement are the width of the transmission easement lane and the service lane of the line. A transmission easement lane is nothing more than a special zone necessary for the proper operation of transmission and distribution networks. The area of the transmission easement lane should be, in accordance with the Civil Code, “necessary for the proper use of the devices” and designated by the network operator. However, sometimes it could be a contentious issue between the operator and the owner of the plot of land, due to the possible compensation that the owner may receive for the restrictions on the property that affect it due to the transmission facility.

A slightly broader issue than the transmission easement lane is the technological lane. It is established to protect people and property from the effects of the power line. They are particularly important in the case of transmission lines characterised by high voltages (400 and 220 kV) and may affect, for example, the impossibility of building in this lane, as well as other restrictions on the use of the area in question. The delimitation of the technological lane of lines requires the consideration of regulations related to electromagnetic fields and the protection of the population from excessive levels of these fields, especially in the context of possible residential development. Technological lanes are designated for the highest voltage lines, i.e. 400 and 220 kV.