Easement may ease transmission line work

Federated Farmers is awaiting the imminent release to landowners of Transpower’s revised standard easement, for the acquiring of rights to construct and maintain transmission lines.

“An easement gives Transpower the right to use a farmers land for a specific reason without them owning it, so a revised easement is a major step forward,” says Philip York, Federated Farmers electricity spokesperson.

“For a number of months we’ve had constructive dialogue with Transpower on a revised agreement and our work has produced positive changes for landowners.

“Significantly there are improved landowner rights around property access with a new emphasis on agreeing access points with the landowner.

“There are improved provisions to limit the landowner liability if something happens to a transmission line, as well as greater emphasis on the landowner’s right to work the land on and around the easement area.

“This is especially important during the application of fertiliser.

“Landowners will also get greater clarity on the limitations to Transpower’s rights under the easement. It is clearly stated that Transpower cannot use the easement for other purposes, such as telecommunications for example.

“It also prevents Transpower from enhancing the line beyond specifications set out in the agreement.

“Federated Farmers has strongly worked to protect the interests of farmer landowners throughout our work with Transpower on this standard easement.

“There are still some outstanding issues Federated Farmers will continue to pursue with Transpower over the coming months. This includes shortcomings in the notice provisions when Transpower is not using an access way agreed with the landowner.

“We also wish to get a clear limitation on the number of conductors on the transmission line and there are shortcomings in the indemnification of landowners in the event of a third party claim.

“Farmers need to know that we are additionally pushing for improved compensation, especially annual payments with periodic review,” Mr York concluded.