Utility Easement

[Beargrasstx]

If a neighbor has the only route to gaining access to a utility line, can they legally deny you access to gaining electricity in Texas? Trying to find who the owner is to ask, but if they deny, which in this case the pole is 100 ft from my fence line; could I be shut out?

I have been googling the answer and it seems that they would have to give me permission but it is unclear. I talked to a utility company and they stated that I couldn't be denied but it would take a lot of time in court and money fighting it.

Any lawyers on here with input or someone that has experienced this? Hopefully this is all for nothing and they will grant me permission.

Another question, if this property is 2 hours away from where I live presently how do I find out the owner of the land? I have searched online courthouse records but the land has no address. It is up for sale so I called and emailed the realtor yesterday but have not heard back yet. Not sure if they would be willing to help me out. I called the utility company to get a name and number but they were closed by the time I called so left a vm. Curious if there is any thing I can do to discover the owner without driving 2 hours to ask neighbors and hope they can tell me something. The people do not live there either.

[CabezaBlanca]

Search the appraisal district website for that county. You should be able to find the owner there.

[Beargrasstx]

I tried that last night. I don't have a name to search and the property doesn't have an address. I have typed in the physical location listed on real estate listing but that search doesn't come up with anything.

[sailor]

put up a pole....
You'll find the owner.....

[Beargrasstx]

Well the pole wouldn't be on their land anyway I am just tying in to their existing one to run my electric poles. Utility company wont do it unless there is a signed easement given but you are right.... I bet I could find the owner that way.

[Bill M]

Even though the pole wouldn't be on their land the wire would go over it and if far enough might require additional poles. Either way, where the wire is there has to be an additional easement granted and the property owner doesn't have to grant it. I've seen it play out this way in the past.

[Kdog]

I know in Wisconsin where I have property a landowner can say no. If you really want it be prepared to grease the wheels with the other landowner if you need to.

[Beargrasstx]

Found them!

Now I have to find a phone number but at least I have a mailing address.

Found number

[Krivoman]

Use the Tax districts web page and search on the map. Not by name or address. Worst case scenerio put in your lands location, then look on map. it should list a number for the neighbors property.

[Beargrasstx]

Thanks Krivoman I will check out that feature later. Would have saved me time.... Spent about 3 hours searching but found the owners and phone number

[LWolken]

Contact the utility company and they will get you in contact with the owner. They can lock you out but its highly unlikely in your case since it would only require a sign off and no additional poles would need to be placed on the neighbors property.

[RiverRat1]

How do you access your property?

[Beargrasstx]

Talked to neighbor and he is good to go. Unfortunately the paper work has to be notarized so that is an additional inconvenience but good dude.

[Beargrasstx]

Appreciate the help fellas. Hoping I will have pics next summer of my new build going up but lots still to do.... Totally raw land and will be drilling a water well, hopefully getting electricity, need some dozing work and septic. Plus a builder... but may have my builder picked out.

[Capp35]

I looked at a piece of property with exactly the same condition in Milam county.