May 28,2009
National Grid today issued a reminder that power line rights-of-way are private property where unauthorized dumping and trespass by operators of any motorized vehicles is unlawful. These rights-of-way are a critical part of the company’s electric and gas network. In order to protect the public and avoid damage to company facilities, National Grid limits activities within the rights-of-way.
National Grid maintains access roads to and along rights-of-way for the purpose of maintaining and repairing existing facilities and for the construction of new facilities. These access roads are for use by authorized personnel only and should not be used without the permission of National Grid.“These corridors were never intended for traffic, particularly by non-utility personnel unfamiliar with the facilities and terrain,” said Chad Martin, National Grid vice president of Safety. “Dumping of waste and access by off-road vehicles is damaging to the rights-of-way, creating safety hazards for utility personnel and other authorized users. The extra motor noise is also disruptive to nearby residents.”
National Grid partners with local authorities to help to ensure safety by protecting the rights-of-way from unauthorized use, said Brian Noone, National Grid vice president of Security.
“National Grid provides local law enforcement with its full cooperation in prosecuting trespassers,” Noone said. “Even if you are just out for a little ride, remember that, if you are on a right-of-way, you are on private property and will be subject to the consequences the law provides, up to and including arrest.”
National Grid is an international energy delivery company. In the U.S., National Grid delivers electricity to approximately 3.3 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island, and manages the electricity network on Long Island under an agreement with the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). It is the largest distributor of natural gas in the northeastern U.S., serving approximately 3.4 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island. National Grid also owns over 4,000 megawatts of contracted electricity generation that provides power to over one million LIPA customers.