What is meant by Right of Way of a Transmission Line

Right of Way refers to the right of the transmission or distribution utility over the strip of land the lines pass through.

Transmission companies make payments to landowners to get a right-of-way of the land beneath the transmission lines.  The length and width of the right of way depends on the voltage of the transmission lines and the height of the transmission structures.  

Right of way usually includes the right to trim trees which can be potentially dangerous by either touching the lines or falling on them.  No structure can be constructed on the right way which may  reduce the ground clearance.  

Fences or pipelines which run beneath the lines shall be grounded.  The utility reserves the right to cut any vegetation which grows beyond a specified height.  Digging the ground for trenches shall not be permitted as they may weaken the foundation of the towers.