Ask the expert: how right-of-way management supports energy reliability in South Carolina

As South Carolina continues to grow, so does the demand for reliable electricity. At Central Electric Power Cooperative, maintaining clear and well-managed rights-of-way is essential to meeting that demand safely and efficiently. Right-of-Way Agent Brian Moran explains how his team’s work, often happening long before new lines are energized, helps power the state’s future.

1. What exactly does a Right-of-Way Agent do at Central, and why is that role so important to its mission?

A Right-of-Way Agent is ultimately responsible for acquiring the easement area for new transmission line projects. We serve as the primary contact between Central and affected landowners, handling all communication and negotiations. It’s our job to balance the needs of Central and our Members with the concerns of landowners while ensuring each project moves forward smoothly and on schedule.

2. You came to Central with a background in forestry and land management. How has that experience shaped the way you approach right-of-way work today?

South Carolina has a large amount of timberland, and many of our transmission projects cross those areas. My background in forestry has been a big advantage in those situations. It allows me to work closely with our consulting forester when assessing timber value as part of the easement appraisal process. It’s also helpful during the clearing phase of construction, especially when identifying danger trees, trees that could fall on the line in the future.

3. What does a typical day look like for you?

That really depends on the phase of the project. Some days, I’m in the office creating documents, updating landowner files, and coordinating with consultants. Other days, I’m out in the field, anywhere in the state, meeting with landowners or conducting site visits.

I meet with landowners to present projects, obtain survey permissions, share initial offers, and work through negotiations to reach final settlements. I also manage title research and coordinate with appraisers and timber consultants who determine easement values. Once the easements are secured, I’m often in the field during right-of-way clearing to help ensure that process runs smoothly.

4. Can you walk us through the lifecycle of a transmission project from a right-of-way perspective?

From a right-of-way standpoint, the process begins with our portion of the Alternate Route Cost Study. During that phase, we estimate the acquisition and clearing costs for each potential route provided by the transmission design team.

Once the Route Selection Committee finalizes the route, I start building landowner folders and preparing documents needed for the survey permitting phase. We notify affected landowners by letter and begin meeting with them to explain the project, answer questions, and request survey permission.

After survey permission is granted, either directly by the landowner or through a court order, we move into the survey and appraisal stage. While engineering completes the survey and environmental work, we obtain appraisals and title reports for each tract.

Once the appraisals and survey data are complete, we meet with landowners again to begin the easement acquisition process. Negotiations often take place over several meetings. After all required easements are secured – whether voluntarily, through mediation, or by condemnation – we move on to the clearing phase. Once clearing is complete, engineering can finalize construction and energize the line. Then, we start the process again with the next project.

5. What’s one of the biggest challenges people might not realize about acquiring easements or clearing rights-of-way, and how do you and the team work through it?

One of the biggest challenges people don’t always see is how personal land can be to its owners. Our transmission projects directly impact our Members’ consumer-members, many of whom have deep, generational ties to their property. That can make negotiations emotional or even adversarial at times.

Our job is to balance that sensitivity with our responsibility to keep projects on schedule and ensure reliable service for the people of South Carolina. Navigating those conversations with professionalism and transparency is key to achieving that balance.

6. How does Central’s approach to right-of-way management support long-term system reliability and safety, especially as South Carolina’s demand for power grows?

We have several upcoming projects that will strengthen overall system reliability. We’re also very proactive during the initial clearing phase, identifying and removing danger trees that could pose future risks to the lines. In addition, we work closely with New Horizon and Santee Cooper to coordinate ongoing right-of-way maintenance and manage potential encroachments. That cooperative approach helps ensure long-term reliability and safety across the system.

7. What excites you most about the future of transmission infrastructure and right-of-way work in the electric cooperative industry?

The growth happening across South Carolina is what excites me most. We’re busier now than at any point in my nine years at Central, with several major projects kicking off soon. It’s rewarding to be part of that growth and to know our work directly supports the state’s expanding communities and energy needs.