For buyers, a lower upfront cost when purchasing near power lines may seem like a good deal. However, the same lines will remain when reselling, hampering value. In extreme cases near high-voltage towers, a study from the Journal of Real Estate Research shows nearby property values reduced by 44.9 percent.
Most homebuyers do not find power lines aesthetically pleasing, especially if they are in a location that would otherwise have a pristine ocean, river, or forest view. While this personal preference does tend to lower property values, another major factor in the power line debate concerns health.
The right of way for the power lines runs adjacent to the property line. We did not notice this the first time around. This unfortunate location will negatively impact any type of resale value. As a matter of fact, properties by power lines often lose 10% to 40% of their market value.
In conclusion, there are no known health risks that have been conclusively demonstrated to be caused by living near high-voltage power lines. But science is unable to prove a negative, including whether low-level EMFs are completely risk free.
In theory, properly installed power lines (residential service level) are insulated and, if undisturbed, should pose no serious risk. HOWEVER, accidents (and equipment failure) happen all the time and a stray tool can cut or damage insulation. The Evil One has a point.
While no universally accepted safe distance exists, some guidelines suggest: Living 700-1000 feet from high-voltage lines is best to limit EMF exposure. Each additional 100 feet reduces EMF field strength exponentially. Beyond 1300 feet, EMF intensity matches typical background levels.
EMR associated with power lines is a type of low frequency non-ionizing radiation. Electric fields are produced by electric charges, and magnetic fields are produced by the flow of electrical current through wires or electrical devices.
Based on findings like these, a minimum safety distance of 1/4 mile (1320 feet) might be considered prudent. And again, individuals with EMF hypersensitivity or other serious health issues may want to consider a much greater safety distance, perhaps a half mile, or even more.
Many residential and commercial property owners do not realize they have a right to compensation for the electric lines and towers placed on their properties. If even a portion of your property is used by electric companies for their utilities, you deserve just compensation.
Interviews with residents living in close proximity to overhead power lines reveal that they associate non-specific health complaints such as tiredness, headaches and neurological problems with exposure to ELF-EMF from nearby power lines [9].
Having a transformer box close to a house can sometimes lower its value, but the impact varies. It could be a small decrease or more noticeable depending on factors like location, buyer preferences, and the appearance of the box.
Homeowners usually have overhead power lines or in-ground sewer lines that run through their property. In such cases, it usually means the utility company has an easement over the property. An easement gives the holder a right of way over property owned by someone else.
Compensation usually falls in the 25% to 50% range of the affected land's value. The exact amount depends on how much the easement impacts your property's usability.
Fallen Power Lines Are Dangerous And Destructive
Home damage caused by falling trees or power lines themselves is covered by most homeowners insurance policies.
Cost to Run Electricity to Your House
If power lines exist at or near your property line, getting an electricity hookup is simple. Expect to pay around $1,000 if this is the case, or about $5 to $15 per linear foot. If you pay to hire an electrician, the hourly rate is $50 to $100.
Portions of the electromagnetic spectrum do have emissions that may pose a risk of cancer. The spectrum ranges from extremely low-frequency radiation, such as that generated by overhead power lines, to higher-frequency radiation, such as the energy emitted by X-rays and gamma rays.
In most modern TVs (LED and LCD) this EMF extends up to one or two feet in front of the screen. So as long as you are two feet or more away from your screen, you will be safe.
Anything that is too close to high-voltage lines can cause electricity from the lines to “flash” or cause a short circuit.
If you are planning to block EMFs from a power line, you have two main options: metal shielding and EMF-blocking fabric. Metal shielding is the most effective option, as it completely blocks EMFs.
Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are a combination of electric and magnetic fields. Electric fields come from electricity, such as when a kitchen appliance is plugged in. Trees, walls, and most objects can block or weaken electric fields.
Working near powerlines can be fatal. Touching them or straying into the exclusion zone around them can result in a serious electric shock.
Who Is Responsible for a Down or Sagging Power Line From the Pole to Your House? Are you the one on the line for hiring an electrician? Your utility company is usually responsible for the wires connecting your home to the pole.
A safe working distance depends on the voltage of the power lines. Always maintain a distance of at least 10 feet from overhead lines and more than 10 feet if the voltage to ground is over 50 kilovolts (50,000 volts). The higher the voltage, the greater the distance that is needed between the lines and the workers.
High-voltage transmission lines are quite obvious when you see them. They are normally made of huge steel towers like this: All power towers like this have three wires for the three phases. Many towers, like the ones shown above, have extra wires running along the tops of the towers.