How does a public utility acquire land?

In North Carolina, public utilities typically acquire land for various purposes such as constructing and maintaining facilities, including transmission lines, power plants, and other infrastructure. Public utilities can acquire land through various legal methods, such as through direct negotiations or through the use of eminent domain. In the case of direct negotiations, the public utility works with the property owner to agree on a fair price for the land and arrangements for its use. This method is typically used when the property owner is willing to cooperate and negotiate. Eminent domain is the power of the government or a public utility to take control of private property for public use, after paying just compensation. This power is only allowed in certain cases, such as when the land is needed for public services such as infrastructure. In North Carolina, the public utility is required to file an application with the North Carolina Utilities Commission, which will then hold a hearing to determine whether the proposed land acquisition serves a public purpose. If the commission determines that it does, it will grant the application. The utility will then be able to acquire the land by paying the appraised market value of the land, plus any applicable taxes and fees.

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How does a public utility acquire land?

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