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3 Things To Know About Bringing Electricity to RAW LAND

When purchasing raw, undeveloped land, the prospect of connecting electricity to your property can feel overwhelming. It’s a process filled with considerations, from navigating local regulations to working with utility companies. To help demystify this, here are three crucial things to know before bringing electricity to raw land. These tips can save you time, money, and stress while setting you up for success in your new venture.

1. Understanding Easement Requirements

1. Understanding Easement Requirements
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One of the first hurdles when bringing electricity to raw land is determining whether easement agreements are necessary. An easement allows the utility company to run power lines across a neighboring property to reach yours. However, this depends on your location and the layout of existing power infrastructure.

Before purchasing land, it’s wise to call the local utility provider to ask if easement papers are needed for the specific property. If they are, your neighbors will need to agree to grant access. This can become a significant challenge if your neighbors are uncooperative. A proactive approach – introducing yourself to neighbors and gauging their willingness to collaborate – can make a big difference. Understanding these dynamics beforehand may even influence whether the property is worth the investment.

2. Know the Free Footage Rule

2. Know the Free Footage Rule
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Utility companies often have a set distance – commonly referred to as the “free footage rule” – within which they will connect power to your property at no additional cost. For example, if the nearest power pole is within 500 feet of your land, the utility may extend service for free. Beyond that distance, costs can quickly escalate as you’ll be responsible for the additional infrastructure, such as poles and wiring.

Before committing to a purchase, confirm the utility company’s free footage limit and measure the distance from the closest pole to your property. Investing in a measuring wheel can provide an accurate estimate if you’re surveying the land yourself. Being within the free footage range can mean the difference between paying nothing and shelling out thousands of dollars.

3. Call in Permits Early

3. Call in Permits Early
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Another critical step involves securing the necessary permits for bringing electricity to your land. The local government, often through a public works department, must approve the electric design submitted by the utility company. This process can be smooth in many cases, but delays are common if the permit request sits idle or if the county has unresolved issues with your property.

For example, if you’ve made modifications – such as adding a driveway—without obtaining the proper permits, it could complicate future approvals. To avoid unnecessary roadblocks, always call the county before making any changes to the land. If delays occur, a polite follow-up call can sometimes expedite the process. Mentioning the necessity of electricity for essential tasks like pumping water for livestock may encourage quicker action.

Beyond the Basics: Why Solar Isn’t Always the Answer

Beyond the Basics Why Solar Isn't Always the Answer
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While solar power is an exciting option for off-grid living, it may not always be practical. In regions with limited sunlight for half the year, such as parts of the northern United States, solar energy may fail to provide sufficient power for daily needs. Batteries and advanced solar setups can be costly and may not meet the demands of activities like farming or hosting events.

For now, traditional electricity remains a reliable solution in these scenarios. However, having a small solar generator or backup system can add resilience during outages or emergencies.

The Role of Friendly Neighbors

The Role of Friendly Neighbors
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Bringing electricity to raw land often requires collaboration with nearby property owners. Building good relationships with your neighbors before committing to the purchase can save you from future headaches. Neighbors who are approachable and understanding are more likely to cooperate when it comes to signing easement papers or discussing other shared resources.

Why Location Matters

Why Location Matters
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The type of road your property is on – municipal, county, or private – can also affect the process. Municipal roads often have better infrastructure and fewer complications with permits and easements. County roads, while manageable, may introduce additional red tape. Private roads might pose the greatest challenges, as their maintenance and utility access depend on agreements with private parties.

The Financial Aspect of Connecting Electricity

The Financial Aspect of Connecting Electricity
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Budgeting for electricity installation is a crucial part of planning for raw land development. While staying within the utility company’s free footage range can eliminate some costs, unforeseen expenses can arise. For instance, if your property requires additional poles or specialized equipment due to challenging terrain, costs can climb quickly. To avoid surprises, request a detailed estimate from the utility provider and set aside extra funds for potential overruns. Being financially prepared not only ensures the project stays on track but also gives you peace of mind as you bring power to your land.

Electricity as a Foundation for Growth

Electricity as a Foundation for Growth
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Having reliable electricity opens the door to countless opportunities for your raw land. Whether you plan to build a home, start a farm, or establish a business, power is often the cornerstone of these projects. Ensuring a smooth process for connecting electricity can set the stage for long-term success.

Thoughtful Planning

Thoughtful Planning
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Bringing electricity to raw land requires thoughtful planning, research, and communication. Understanding easement requirements, measuring distances, and staying on top of permits are essential steps to streamline the process. While off-grid solutions like solar power are appealing, they may not be viable for all locations or purposes. With these insights, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the challenges and turn your raw land into a thriving, electrified property.

Challenges or Unexpected Hurdles?

Challenges or Unexpected Hurdles
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What are your experiences? What challenges or unexpected hurdles have you faced while planning or setting up utilities for undeveloped land? How would the availability of alternative energy options like solar or wind impact your decision to bring electricity to raw land? Could advancements in renewable energy technology change your approach in the future? How important is proximity to existing infrastructure, like power lines, when choosing undeveloped land for your project?