All it takes to live undisturbed in the vicinity of the line is to use common sense and observe elementary precautions – especially in the right-of-way area.

The right-of-way is the area directly under the power line and on both sides of the line, where work involved in line construction, redevelopment, modernisation and maintenance is allowed, and within which, for reasons of safety of line operation and the immediate surroundings, the freedom of land management is restricted. The width of the right-of-way can range between 50 m and 80 m, depending on the type of line.

For safety reasons, it is also necessary to refrain from any activities that could pose a risk to the efficient operation of the line and cause a potential hazard to people present in its proximity. It is forbidden to interfere with the line in any way and to carry out activities that may lead to damage or electrocution, such as climbing towers or carrying out field work using machinery that is high or has long booms. 

In the event circumstances are reported that may have an impact on the continuity of electricity supply or pose a risk to property or people in the vicinity of the line, we urgently take remedial measures. All work – repairs, overhauls, clearing trees of exceeding height standard – is carried out by specialist teams of our organisation and at PSE’s expense.

The width of the right-of-way (ROW) depends mainly on the line voltage rating and the type (series) of the towers used. The boundaries of the line right-of-way are determined on the basis of the requirements of regulations on the electric and magnetic field limits, and the noise limit.

The averaged width of the right-of-way for different types of extra-high voltage lines operated in the country is a maximum of: for 400 kV lines – 40 and 35 m from the centreline, depending on the line design; and for 220 kV – 25 m either side of the ROW centreline.

Fig. 1. Right-of-way for a 400 kV line.

1. Niedozwolone jest samowolne wspinanie się na słupy oraz dotykanie urządzeń przesyłowych, w szczególności linii elektroenergetycznych.1. Unauthorised climbing of towers and touching or transmission equipment, in particular power lines, is forbidden.
2. It is not allowed to erect new residential buildings or new built structures with rooms intended for human occupation directly under the line or within its right-of-way (the area directly under the line and on its both sides).
3. Owners of properties used as cropland can freely cultivate crops and work with the use of heavy farming equipment (harvesters, tractors, sowing machines, and other mechanical farm machines). Precautions must be taken in doing so, especially in situations where the machines or equipment used have long booms or are high themselves. 
4. Under overhead lines or in their immediate vicinity, there are no restrictions concerning cattle or other breeding animals grazing, nor any obstacles to setting up fishponds. According to reference studies and data published by the World Health Organisation (WHO), electromagnetic fields in the extra-high voltage line environment are not harmful to breeding animals.
5. It is not allowed to plant trees that could grow dangerously close to power lines – owing to the potential risk of power lines being touched by tree branches. PSE maintains ongoing monitoring of the facilities owned by the company. In case of above-standard growth of trees or shrubs in the vicinity of lines, relevant clearing work is carried out. The work is carried at the expense of PSE, and the wood material obtained as a result of clearing is transferred to property owners. Our company carries out tree clearing based on a five-year standard, with the contractor giving a four-year warranty for its work. The distance of wires from tree crowns is thus determined according to the current crown dimensions, taking into account the five-year height growth specific to the particular tree species and habitat. In case of an above-standard growth during the warranty period, additional work is carried out immediately at the contractor’s expense. Clearing work is required only under specific circumstances. In situations where decorative or orchard trees are planted, which do not reach significant heights, such work is not necessary.

There is no potential for adverse environmental impacts outside the designated right-of-way area. In addition, stringent requirements imposed for residential development areas are met.