Linwood Transmission Line Relocation

Transmission lines are a system of electrical wires that carry large amounts of energy over long distances. These wires can run from generation stations to substations where energy is converted to lower distribution levels to serve homes, schools, hospitals and businesses in the community. If you’ve ever heard a reference to the energy grid, that’s the network of the transmission and distribution systems. View a short video to gain an understanding of the electric transmission system.

The company first identifies potential corridors and seeks feedback from the community. A corridor is a study area that represents the potential path of a transmission line. The specific transmission routes will be much narrower and located in easement areas negotiated with property owners. These specific locations will later be determined following public input and further study. This additional study examines land use, connectivity to other power lines, engineering construction and complexity, and ecological and cultural resources, such as wetlands and historic sites.

We are in the preliminary stages of selecting the preferred route for the transmission line, where we’re seeking public input. We hope to finish construction by December 2024.

Duke Energy, like other national utilities, uses steel poles as its standard for transmission projects. The poles are more reliable during severe weather events. In addition, they require less maintenance and inspection, which means less cost for customers through electric rates.

Once we select the preferred route for the new transmission lines, we will negotiate with landowners to obtain the required easements – or land rights –for the new transmission lines.

An easement is a legal agreement that gives Duke Energy the right to use, not own, specific portions of land for certain purposes. Easements get recorded on the property deed and remain in effect after properties are sold to a new owner.

Learn more about easements in this short video.

Easement area widths are expected to range from 70 feet if the transmission line is built along the road, and 100 feet on land that is not roadside. We will work directly with property owners who are affected by easement acquisition.

Trees and other woody vegetation growing near overhead electric lines create safety hazards for workers as well as the public when they are at risk of causing an electrical outage. Duke Energy will work directly with property owners if tree removal is needed on their property to safely install the transmission line. Additional encroachments – such as fencing, signs or equipment that interfere with the power lines – may also need to be removed, but not before direct conversations with affected property owners. For more about management of easement area, view this video.

Many factors are considered when building a new transmission line. Part of this phase involves gathering information about the project area to properly design the project. Get a look at some of these activities in this short video.

Many studies have examined EMF from power lines, household appliances and other devices with an electric current. After decades of research, scientists have not established a conclusive link between EMF exposure and its effects on human health. You can find more information on our website here.