1 ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINES, §478.

CHAPTER 478
ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINES
Referred to in §6B.2A, 6B.42, 306A.3, 318.9, 437A.7, 474.1, 474.9, 476.1A, 476A.1, 546.7, 716.7

478.1 Franchise. 478.17 Access to lines — damages.

478.2 Petition for franchise — 478.18 Supervision of construction —
informational meetings held. location.
478.3 Petition — requirements. 478.19 Manner of construction.
478.4 Franchise — hearing. 478.20 Distance from buildings.
478.5 Notice — objections filed.
478.21 Nonuse — revocation of franchise
478.6 Taking under eminent domain.
— extensions of time.
478.6A Merchant line franchises —
requirements — limitations. 478.22 Action for violation.
478.7 Form of franchise. 478.23 Prior franchises — legislative
478.8 Valuation of franchise. control.
478.9 Exclusive rights — duration of 478.24 Violations.
franchise. 478.25 Wire crossing railroads —
478.10 Franchise transferable — notice. supervision.
478.11 Record of franchises. 478.26 Wires across railroad
478.12 Acceptance of franchise. right-of-way at highways.
478.13 Extension of franchise — public 478.27 Wires — how strung.
notice. 478.28 Examination of existing wires.
478.14 Service furnished.
478.29 Civil penalties.
478.15 Eminent domain — procedure —
entering on land — reversion 478.30 Crossing highway.
on nonuse. 478.31 Temporary permits for lines less
478.16 Electric transmission lines — than one mile.
federally registered planning 478.32 Rehearing — judicial review.
authority transmission plans. 478.33 Cancellation.

478.1 Franchise.
1. A person shall not construct, erect, maintain, or operate a transmission line, wire,
or cable that is capable of operating at an electric voltage of sixty-nine kilovolts or more
along, over, or across any public highway or grounds outside of cities for the transmission,
distribution, or sale of electric current without first procuring from the utilities board within
the utilities division of the department of commerce a franchise granting authority as
provided in this chapter.
2. A franchise shall not be required for electric lines constructed entirely within the
boundaries of property owned by a person primarily engaged in the transmission or
distribution of electric power or entirely within the boundaries of property owned by the
end user of the electric power.
3. If the transmission line, wire, or cable is capable of operating only at an electric voltage
of less than sixty-nine kilovolts, no franchise is required. However, the utilities board shall
retain jurisdiction over all such lines, wires, or cables.
4. A person who seeks to construct, erect, maintain, or operate a transmission line, wire,
or cable that will operate at an electric voltage of less than sixty-nine kilovolts outside of
cities and that cannot secure the necessary voluntary easements to do so may petition the
board pursuant to section 478.3, subsection 1, for a franchise granting authority for such
construction, erection, maintenance, or operation, and for the use of the right of eminent
domain.
5. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, if an existing transmission
line, wire, or cable is operating at thirty-four and one-half kilovolts, it may be franchised,
rebuilt, and upgraded to be capable of operation at sixty-nine kilovolts using an abbreviated
franchise process if the upgraded line will meet required safety standards, will be on
substantially the same right-of-way, and will have substantially the same effect on the
underlying properties. The abbreviated franchise process shall not require published notice
or a public informational meeting. The board may adopt rules defining relevant terms,
setting forth the steps of the abbreviated process, and specifying the requirements for the
petition and landowner notification. The petitioner shall provide written notice concerning

Thu Dec 29 17:19:55 2022 Iowa Code 2023, Chapter 478 (32, 1)
§478.1, ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINES 2

the anticipated construction to the last known address of the owners of record of the
property where construction will occur and to the parties residing on such property. The
franchise may be granted if the board finds the upgraded line is necessary to serve a public
use and represents a reasonable relationship to an overall plan of transmitting electricity in
the public interest. The franchise shall not become effective until the petitioner has paid, or
agreed to pay, all costs and expenses of the franchise proceeding specified in section 478.4.
[S13, §1527-c, 2120-n; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §8309; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, §489.1;
C77, 79, 81, §478.1]
84 Acts, ch 1101, §2; 94 Acts, ch 1136, §1; 97 Acts, ch 113, §1; 2002 Acts, ch 1048, §1, 5;
2009 Acts, ch 66, §1, 2
Referred to in §478.31
Authorization in cities, §364.2

478.2 Petition for franchise — informational meetings held.

1. Any person authorized to transact business in the state including cities may file a
verified petition asking for a franchise to erect, maintain, and operate a line or lines for the
transmission, distribution, use, and sale of electric current outside cities and for such purpose
to erect, use, and maintain poles, wires, guy wires, towers, cables, conduits, and other
fixtures and appliances necessary for conducting electric current for light, heat, or power
over, along, and across any public lands, highways, streams, or the lands of any person,
company, or corporation, and to acquire necessary interests in real estate for such purposes.
2. As conditions precedent to the filing of a petition with the utilities board requesting a
franchise for a new transmission line, and not less than thirty days prior to the filing of such
petition, the person shall hold informational meetings in each county in which real property
or rights will be affected.
a. A member of the board, the counsel of the board, or a presiding officer designated by
the board shall serve as the presiding officer at each meeting, shall present an agenda for such
meeting which shall include a summary of the legal rights of the affected landowners, and
shall distribute and review the statement of individual rights required under section 6B.2A,
subsection 1. A formal record of the meeting shall not be required.
b. The meeting shall be held at a location reasonably accessible to all persons that may
be affected by the granting of the franchise.
3. The person seeking the franchise for a new transmission line shall give notice of
the informational meeting to each person, company, or corporation determined to be the
landowner affected by the proposed project and any person, company, or corporation in
possession of or residing on the property.
a. For the purposes of this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) “Landowner” means a person listed on the tax assessment rolls as responsible for the
payment of real estate taxes imposed on the property.
(2) “Transmission line” means any line capable of operating at sixty-nine kilovolts or more
and extending a distance of not less than one mile across privately owned real estate.
b. The notice shall contain the following:
(1) The name of the applicant.
(2) The applicant’s principal place of business.
(3) A general description and purpose of the proposed project.
(4) The general nature of the right-of-way desired.
(5) The possibility that the right-of-way may be acquired by condemnation if approved by
the utilities board.
(6) A map showing the route of the proposed project.
(7) A description of the process used by the utilities board in making a decision on whether
to approve a franchise or grant the right to take property by eminent domain.
(8) A statement that the landowner has the right to be present at such meetings and to file
objections with the utilities board.
(9) The place and time of the meeting.
c. The notice shall be served not less than thirty days prior to the time set for the meeting
by certified mail with return receipt requested and shall be published once in a newspaper

Thu Dec 29 17:19:55 2022 Iowa Code 2023, Chapter 478 (32, 1)
3 ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINES, §478.3

of general circulation in the county at least one week and not more than three weeks before
the time of the meeting and such publication shall be considered notice to landowners whose
residence is not known.
4. A person seeking rights under this chapter shall not negotiate or purchase any
easements or other interests in land in any county known to be affected by the proposed
project prior to the informational meeting.
[S13, §2120-n; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §8310; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, §489.2; C77, 79,
81, §478.2]
94 Acts, ch 1136, §2; 2000 Acts, ch 1179, §22, 30; 2002 Acts, ch 1048, §2, 5; 2017 Acts, ch
21, §5
Referred to in §6B.2A, 478.16

478.3 Petition — requirements.

1. All petitions shall set forth:
a. The name of the individual, company, or corporation asking for the franchise.
b. The principal office or place of business.
c. The starting points, routes, and termini of the proposed lines, accompanied with a map
or plat showing such details.
d. A general description of the public or private lands, highways, and streams over, across,
or along which any proposed line will pass.
e. General specifications as to materials and manner of construction.
f. The maximum voltage to be carried over each line.
g. Whether or not the exercise of the right of eminent domain will be used and, if so, a
specific reference to the lands described in paragraph “d” which are sought to be subject
thereto.
h. An allegation that the proposed construction is necessary to serve a public use.
2. a. Petitions for transmission lines capable of operating at sixty-nine kilovolts or more
and extending a distance of not less than one mile across privately owned real estate shall also
set forth an allegation that the proposed construction represents a reasonable relationship to
an overall plan of transmitting electricity in the public interest and substantiation of such
allegations, including but not limited to, a showing of the following:
(1) The relationship of the proposed project to present and future economic development
of the area.
(2) The relationship of the proposed project to comprehensive electric utility planning.
(3) The relationship of the proposed project to the needs of the public presently served
and future projections based on population trends.
(4) The relationship of the proposed project to the existing electric utility system and
parallel existing utility routes.
(5) The relationship of the proposed project to any other power system planned for the
future.
(6) The possible use of alternative routes and methods of supply.
(7) The relationship of the proposed project to the present and future land use and zoning
ordinances.
(8) The inconvenience or undue injury which may result to property owners as a result of
the proposed project.
b. The utilities board may waive the proof required for such allegations which are not
applicable to a particular proposed project.
c. The petition shall contain an affidavit stating that informational meetings were held in
each county which the proposed project will affect and the time and place of each meeting.
3. For the purpose of this section, the term “public” shall not be interpreted to be limited
to consumers located in this state.
[S13, §2120-n; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §8311; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, §489.3; C77, 79,
81, §478.3]
94 Acts, ch 1136, §3; 2001 Acts, 1st Ex, ch 4, §34, 36; 2002 Acts, ch 1048, §3, 5; 2011 Acts,
ch 25, §143
Referred to in §478.1, 478.6A, 478.31

Thu Dec 29 17:19:55 2022 Iowa Code 2023, Chapter 478 (32, 1)
§478.4, ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINES 4

478.4 Franchise — hearing.

The utilities board shall consider the petition and any objections filed to it in the manner
provided. It shall examine the proposed route or cause any engineer selected by it to do so.
If a hearing is held on the petition it may hear testimony as may aid it in determining the
propriety of granting the franchise. It may grant the franchise in whole or in part upon the
terms, conditions, and restrictions, and with the modifications as to location and route as
may seem to it just and proper. Before granting the franchise, the utilities board shall make
a finding that the proposed line or lines are necessary to serve a public use and represents
a reasonable relationship to an overall plan of transmitting electricity in the public interest.
A franchise shall not become effective until the petitioners shall pay, or file an agreement to
pay, all costs and expenses of the franchise proceeding, whether or not objections are filed,
including costs of inspections or examinations of the route, hearing, salaries, publishing of
notice, and any other expenses reasonably attributable to it. The funds received for the costs
and the expenses of the franchise proceeding shall be remitted to the treasurer of state for
deposit in the department of commerce revolving fund created in section 546.12 as provided
in section 476.10.
[S13, §2120-n; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §8312, 8313; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, §489.4, 489.5; C66, 71,
73, 75, §489.4; C77, 79, 81, §478.4]
87 Acts, ch 234, §431; 94 Acts, ch 1107, §82; 2009 Acts, ch 181, §53
Referred to in §476.10, 478.1, 478.6A, 478.13

478.5 Notice — objections filed.

Upon the filing of such petition, the utilities board shall cause a notice, addressed to the
citizens of each county through which the proposed line or lines will extend, to be published
in a newspaper located in each such county for two consecutive weeks. Said notice shall
contain a general statement of the contents and purpose of the petition, a general description
of the lands and highways to be traversed by the proposed line or lines, and shall state that any
objections thereto must be filed in writing with the board not later than twenty days after the
date of last publication of the notice. Any person, company, city, or corporation whose rights
may be affected, shall have the right to file written objections to the proposed improvement or
to the granting of such franchise; such objections shall be filed with the board not later than
twenty days after the date of last publication and shall state the grounds therefor. The board
may allow objections to be filed later in which event the applicant must be given reasonable
time to meet such late objections.
[S13, §2120-n; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §8312, 8313; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, §489.4, 489.5; C66, 71,
73, 75, §489.5; C77, 79, 81, §478.5]
Referred to in §478.31

478.6 Taking under eminent domain.

1. Upon the filing of objections or when a petition involves the taking of property under
the right of eminent domain, the utilities board shall set the matter for hearing and fix a time
and place for the hearing. The hearing shall be not less than thirty days from the date of
last publication and, where a new proposed transmission line exceeds one mile in length,
shall be held in the county seat of the county located at the midpoint of the proposed electric
transmission line. Written notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be served by the
board, by ordinary mail, on the applicant, and those having filed objections. If no objections
are filed and the petition does not involve the taking of property under the right of eminent
domain, the board may grant a franchise without a hearing; however, the board may conduct
a hearing if the board deems it necessary.
2. Where a petition seeks the use of the right of eminent domain over specific parcels of
real property, the board shall prescribe the notice to be served upon the owners of record
and parties in possession of the property over which the use of the right of eminent domain
is sought. The notice shall include the statement of individual rights required pursuant to
section 6B.2A, subsection 1.
3. When the board grants a franchise to any person, company, or corporation for the
construction, erection, maintenance, and operation of transmission lines, wires, and cables

Thu Dec 29 17:19:55 2022 Iowa Code 2023, Chapter 478 (32, 1)
5 ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINES, §478.9

for the transmission of electricity, such person, company, or corporation shall be vested with
the power of condemnation to such extent as the board may approve and find necessary for
public use.
[C66, 71, 73, 75, §489.6; C77, 79, 81, §478.6; 81 Acts, ch 159, §1]
2000 Acts, ch 1179, §23, 30; 2018 Acts, ch 1041, §127

478.6A Merchant line franchises — requirements — limitations.

1. For purposes of this section, “merchant line” means a high-voltage direct current
electric transmission line which does not provide for the erection of electric substations at
intervals of less than fifty miles, which substations are necessary to accommodate both the
purchase and sale to persons located in this state of electricity generated or transmitted by
the franchisee.
2. Notwithstanding section 478.21, in addition to any other applicable requirements
pursuant to this chapter, if a petition for a franchise to construct a merchant line that involves
the taking of property under eminent domain is not approved by the board and a franchise
granted within three years following the date the petition is filed with the board pursuant
to section 478.3, the board shall reject the petition and make a record of the rejection. If
the hearing on the petition conducted pursuant to section 478.4 has been held within the
three-year period following the date the petition is filed, but the board has not completed
its deliberations within that three-year period, the three-year period may be extended by
the board to allow completion of deliberations. A petitioner shall not file a petition for the
same or a similar project that has been rejected within sixty months following the date of
rejection if the rejection was for failure to be approved within three years following the date
the petition was filed as provided in this subsection.
2016 Acts, ch 1129, §9; 2016 Acts, ch 1138, §37 – 39; 2017 Acts, ch 29, §136
Referred to in §6A.21

478.7 Form of franchise.

The general counsel for the utilities board shall prepare a blank form of franchise, which
shall provide space for a general description of the improvement authorized, the name and
address of the person or corporation to whom granted, the general terms and conditions upon
which the franchise is granted, and other things as necessary. This blank form shall be filled
out and signed by the chairperson of the utilities board which grants the franchise, and the
official seal shall be attached. The franchise is subject to regulations and restrictions as the
general assembly prescribes, and to rules, not inconsistent with statutes, as the utilities board
may establish.
[S13, §2120-n; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §8314; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, §489.6; C66, 71, 73, 75, §489.7;
C77, 79, 81, §478.7]
83 Acts, ch 127, §41
Legislative control in general, §491.39

478.8 Valuation of franchise.

No financial consideration shall be charged for such franchise. In fixing the value for
rate-making purposes of the property of any person, company, or corporation owning it or
operating under it no account shall be taken of, and no increased value shall be allowed
for, any such franchise, except that the reasonable cost to the petitioners of obtaining said
franchise may be included in the cost of constructing said line.
[C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §8315; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, §489.7; C66, 71, 73, 75, §489.8; C77, 79, 81,
§478.8]

478.9 Exclusive rights — duration of franchise.

No exclusive right shall ever be given by franchise or otherwise to any person, company,
corporation, or city to conduct electrical energy, or to place electric wires, along or over or
across any public highway or public place or ground; and no franchise or privilege shall ever
be granted for any such purpose for a longer period than twenty-five years.
[C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §8316; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, §489.8; C66, 71, 73, 75, §489.9; C77, 79, 81,
§478.9]

Thu Dec 29 17:19:55 2022 Iowa Code 2023, Chapter 478 (32, 1)
§478.10, ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINES 6

478.10 Franchise transferable — notice.

When any electric transmission line or lines are sold and transferred either by voluntary
or judicial sale, the transfer shall carry with it the franchise under which the improvement
is owned, maintained, or operated. If a transfer of such franchise is made before the
improvement for which it was issued is constructed, in whole or in part, the transfer shall
not be effective until the person, company, or corporation to whom it was issued files in the
office of the utilities board granting the franchise a notice in writing stating the date of the
transfer and the name and address of the transferee.
[C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §8317; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, §489.9; C66, 71, 73, 75, §489.10; C77, 79, 81,
§478.10]
2021 Acts, ch 80, §311

478.11 Record of franchises.

The utilities board shall keep a record of all such franchises granted and issued by it,
when and to whom issued, with a general statement of the location, route, and termini of
the transmission line or lines covered by the franchise. When any transfer of a franchise has
been made as provided in this chapter, the board shall also make note upon its record of the
date of the transfer and the name and address of the transferee.
[C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §8318; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, §489.10; C66, 71, 73, 75, §489.11; C77, 79,
81, §478.11]
2022 Acts, ch 1021, §124
Section amended

478.12 Acceptance of franchise.

Any person, company, or corporation obtaining a franchise as provided in this chapter, or
owning or operating under one, shall be conclusively held to an acceptance of the provisions
of this chapter and of all laws relating to the regulation, supervision, or control of franchises
which are now in force or which may be hereafter enacted, and to have consented to such
reasonable regulation as the utilities board may, from time to time, prescribe. The provisions
of this chapter shall apply equally to assignees as well as to original owners.
[S13, §2120-p; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §8319; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, §489.11; C66, 71, 73, 75,
§489.12; C77, 79, 81, §478.12]
2022 Acts, ch 1021, §125
Section amended

478.13 Extension of franchise — public notice.

1. Any person, firm, or corporation owning a franchise granted under this chapter or
previously existing law may petition the utilities board for an extension of the franchise. The
board shall adopt rules governing extension applications and proceedings with the intent that
the extension applications and proceedings are less extensive than original applications and
proceedings. Assessment of costs shall be as provided in section 478.4.
2. If the extension of franchise is sought for all lines in a given county or counties, the
published notice need not contain a general description of the lands and highways traversed
by the lines, but in lieu of containing such description the petitioner may offer to provide to
any interested party, free of charge and within ten working days, a current, accurate map
showing the location of the lines for which the franchise extension is sought. The public
notice shall advise the citizens of the county or counties affected of the availability of such
map. If this alternate procedure is not followed, the publication of the description of the lands
and highways traversed by the lines shall be done in the manner as in an original application
for franchise.
3. An extension under this section shall be granted only for a valid, existing franchise, and
the lands, roads, or streams covered by the franchise over, through, or upon which electric
transmission lines have in fact been erected or constructed and are in use or operation at the
time of the application for the extension of the franchise.
4. The application for the extension of the franchise shall be accompanied by the written
consent of the applicant that the provisions of all laws relating to public utilities, franchises,
and transmission lines, or to the regulation, supervision, or control thereof which are then in

Thu Dec 29 17:19:55 2022 Iowa Code 2023, Chapter 478 (32, 1)
7 ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINES, §478.15

force or which may be thereafter enacted, shall apply to its existing line or lines, franchises,
and rights as if the franchise had been granted, the lines had been constructed, or rights had
been obtained under the provisions of this chapter.
5. An extension of a franchise is not required for an electric transmission line that has
been permanently retired from operation at sixty-nine kilovolts or more but that remains in
service at a lower voltage. The board shall be notified of changes in operating status.
[S13, §2120-o; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §8320; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, §489.12; C66, 71, 73, 75,
§489.13; C77, 79, 81, §478.13]
94 Acts, ch 1136, §4; 97 Acts, ch 63, §1; 2002 Acts, ch 1048, §4, 5; 2002 Acts, ch 1097, §1

478.14 Service furnished.

1. Any city which owns or operates a system for the distribution of electric light or
power, and which has obtained electric energy for such distribution from any person or firm
or corporation owning or operating an electric light and power plant or transmission line,
shall be entitled to have the service reasonably needed by such municipality and its patrons
continued at and for a reasonable rate and charge and under reasonable rules of service.
2. It shall be unlawful for the owner or operator of the light and power plant or
transmission line to disconnect or discontinue such service, except during nonpayment of
reasonable charges, so long as the operator holds or enjoys any franchise to go upon or use
any public streets, highways, or grounds.
3. Until the municipality and the operator shall agree upon a rate or charge for the
service the municipality shall pay and the operator shall accept the rate provided in the
expired contract if any existed, and, if none existed, then the rate before paid. This shall be
without prejudice, however, to the right of either party to test in court or before any lawfully
constituted rate-making tribunal the reasonableness of the rate.
4. This section shall not apply if the original service to the municipality was given in case
of emergency or for any other temporary purpose.
[C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §8321; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, §489.13; C66, 71, 73, 75, §489.14; C77, 79,
81, §478.14]
2016 Acts, ch 1011, §87

478.15 Eminent domain — procedure — entering on land — reversion on nonuse.

1. Any person, company, or corporation having secured a franchise as provided in this
chapter, shall thereupon be vested with the right of eminent domain to such extent as the
utilities board may approve, prescribe and find to be necessary for public use, not exceeding
one hundred feet in width for right-of-way and not exceeding one hundred sixty acres in any
one location, in addition to right-of-way, for the location of electric substations to carry out
the purposes of said franchise; provided however, that where two hundred kilovolt lines or
higher voltage lines are to be constructed, the person, company, or corporation may apply
to the board for a wider right-of-way not to exceed two hundred feet, and the board may
for good cause extend the width of such right-of-way for such lines to the person, company,
or corporation applying for the same. The burden of proving the necessity for public use
shall be on the person, company, or corporation seeking the franchise. A homestead site,
cemetery, orchard, or schoolhouse location shall not be condemned for the purpose of
erecting an electric substation. If agreement cannot be made with the private owner of lands
as to damages caused by the construction of said transmission line, or electric substations,
the same proceedings shall be taken as provided for taking private property for works of
internal improvement.
2. Any person, company, or corporation proposing to construct a transmission line or
other facility which involves the taking of property under the right of eminent domain
and desiring to enter upon the land, which it proposes to appropriate, for the purpose of
examining or surveying the same, shall first file with the utilities board, a written statement
under oath setting forth the proposed routing of the line or facility including a description
of the lands to be crossed, the names and addresses of owners, together with request that a
permit be issued by the board authorizing the person, company, or corporation or its duly
appointed representative to enter upon the land for the purpose of examining and surveying

Thu Dec 29 17:19:55 2022 Iowa Code 2023, Chapter 478 (32, 1)
§478.15, ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINES 8

and to take and use on the land any vehicle and surveying equipment necessary in making
the survey. The board shall within ten days after the request issue a permit, accompanied by
such bond in such amount as the board shall approve, to the person, company, or corporation
making the application, if in the board’s opinion the application is made in good faith and
not for the purpose of harassing the owner of the land. If the board is of the opinion that the
application is not made in good faith or made for the purpose of harassment to the owner of
the land the board shall set the matter for hearing. The matter shall be heard not more than
twenty days after filing the application. Notice of the time and place of hearing shall be given
by the board, to the owner of the land by registered mail with a return receipt requested, not
less than ten days preceding the date of hearing.
3. Any person, company, or corporation that has obtained a permit in the manner
prescribed in this section may enter upon the land or lands, as provided in this section, and
shall be liable for actual damages sustained in connection with such entry. An action in
damages shall be the exclusive remedy.
4. If an electric transmission line right-of-way, or any part thereof, is wholly abandoned
for public utility purposes by the relocation of the transmission lines, is not used or operated
for a period of five years, or if its construction has been commenced and work has ceased
and has not in good faith been resumed for five years, the right-of-way shall revert to the
person or persons who, at the time of the abandonment or reversion, are the owners of the
tract from which the right-of-way was taken. Following such abandonment of right-of-way,
the owner or holder of purported fee title to the real estate may serve notice upon the owner
of the right-of-way easement, or the owner’s successor in interest, and upon any party in
possession of the real estate, a written notice which shall accurately describe the real estate
in question, set out the facts concerning ownership of the fee, ownership of the right-of-way
easement, and the period of abandonment, and notify the parties that such reversion shall be
complete and final, and that the easement or other right shall be forfeited, unless the parties
shall, within one hundred twenty days after the completed service of notice, file an affidavit
with the county recorder of the county in which the real estate is located disputing the facts
contained in the notice.
5. The notice shall be served in the same manner as an original notice under the Iowa
rules of civil procedure, except that when notice is served by publication no affidavit therefor
shall be required before publication. If no affidavit disputing the facts contained in the notice
is filed within one hundred twenty days, the party serving the notice may file for record in
the office of the county recorder a copy of the notice with proofs of service attached thereto
or endorsed thereon, and when so recorded, the record shall be constructive notice to all
persons of the abandonment, reversion, and forfeiture of the right-of-way.
[S13, §2120-q; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §8322; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, §489.14; C66, 71, 73, 75,
§489.15; C77, 79, 81, §478.15]
2015 Acts, ch 30, §155; 2022 Acts, ch 1032, §74
Condemnation procedure, chapter 6B
Subsection 1 amended

478.16 Electric transmission lines — federally registered planning authority

transmission plans.
1. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
a. “Electric transmission line” means a high-voltage electric transmission line with a
capacity of one hundred kilovolts or more and any associated electric transmission facility,
including any substation or other equipment.
b. “Electric transmission owner” means an individual or entity who, as of July 1, 2020,
owns and maintains an electric transmission line that is required for rate-regulated electric
utilities, municipal electric utilities, and rural electric cooperatives in this state to provide
electric service to the public for compensation.
c. “Incumbent electric transmission owner” means any of the following:
(1) A public utility or a municipally owned utility that owns, operates, and maintains an
electric transmission line in this state.
(2) An electric cooperative corporation or association or municipally owned utility that

Thu Dec 29 17:19:55 2022 Iowa Code 2023, Chapter 478 (32, 1)
9 ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINES, §478.16

owns an electric transmission facility in this state and has turned over the functional control
of such facility to a federally approved authority.
(3) An “electric transmission owner” as defined in paragraph “b”.
d. “Landowner” means the same as defined in section 478.2.
e. “Municipally owned utility” means a “city utility” as defined in section 362.2, or an
“electric power agency” as defined in section 390.9 which is comprised solely of cities or
solely of cities and other political subdivisions.
2. An incumbent electric transmission owner has the right to construct, own, and
maintain an electric transmission line that has been approved for construction in a
federally registered planning authority transmission plan and which connects to an electric
transmission facility owned by the incumbent electric transmission owner. Where a proposed
electric transmission line would connect to electric transmission facilities owned by two or
more incumbent electric transmission owners, each incumbent electric transmission owner
whose facility connects to the electric transmission line has the right to construct, own, and
maintain the electric transmission line individually and equally. If an incumbent electric
transmission owner declines to construct, own, and maintain its portion of an electric
transmission line that would connect to electric transmission facilities owned by two or more
incumbent electric transmission owners, then the other incumbent electric transmission
owner or owners that own an electric transmission facility to which the electric transmission
line connects has the right to construct, own, and maintain the electric transmission line
individually.
3. If an electric transmission line has been approved for construction in a federally
registered planning authority transmission plan, and the electric transmission line is not
subject to a right of first refusal in accordance with the tariff of a federally registered
planning authority, then within ninety days of approval for construction, an incumbent
electric transmission owner, or owners if there is more than one owner, that owns a
connecting electric transmission facility shall give written notice to the board regarding
whether the incumbent electric transmission owner or owners intend to construct, own,
and maintain the electric transmission line. If the incumbent electric transmission owner
or owners give notice of intent to construct the electric transmission line, the incumbent
electric transmission owner or owners shall follow the applicable franchise requirements
pursuant to this chapter. If the incumbent electric transmission owner or owners give notice
declining to construct the electric transmission line, the board may determine whether
another person may construct the electric transmission line.
4. For projects where an election to construct an electric transmission line has been made
under this section, all of the following cost accountability measures shall apply:
a. Within thirty days after the issuance of a franchise pursuant to this chapter for the
electric transmission line, the incumbent electric transmission owner or owners shall provide
to the board an estimate of the cost to construct the electric transmission line.
b. Until construction of the electric transmission line is complete, the incumbent electric
transmission owner or owners shall provide a quarterly report to the board, which shall
include an updated estimate of the cost to construct the electric transmission line and an
explanation of changes in the cost estimate from the prior cost estimate.
5. This section shall not modify the authority of the board under this chapter, the rights
of landowners under this chapter, or the requirements, rights, and obligations relating to
the construction, maintenance, and operation of electric transmission lines pursuant to this
chapter.
6. This section shall not apply to an electric transmission line to be placed underground
that has not been approved for construction in a federally registered planning authority
transmission plan.
7. The board shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A to administer this section.
2020 Acts, ch 1121, §128; 2022 Acts, ch 1021, §185, 188
[ ()]Section not amended; section history revised

Thu Dec 29 17:19:55 2022 Iowa Code 2023, Chapter 478 (32, 1)
§478.17, ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINES 10

478.17 Access to lines — damages.

Individuals or corporations operating transmission lines shall have reasonable access to
the transmission lines for the purpose of constructing, reconstructing, enlarging, repairing,
or locating the poles, wires, or construction and other devices used in or upon any line, but
shall pay to the owner of the lands and of crops all the lands* all damages to the lands or
crops caused by entering, using, and occupying the lands for those purposes. This section
shall not prevent the execution of an agreement between the person or company owning or
operating the lines and the owner of the land or crops regarding the use of the land.
[S13, §2120-t; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §8324; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, §489.16; C66, 71, 73, 75,
§489.17; C77, 79, 81, §478.17]
2022 Acts, ch 1021, §126
*The phrase “crops on the lands” probably intended; corrective legislation is pending
Section amended

478.18 Supervision of construction — location.

1. The utilities board shall have power of supervision over the construction of a
transmission line and over its future operation and maintenance.
2. A transmission line shall be constructed near and parallel to roads, to the right-of-way
of the railways of the state, or along the division lines of the lands, according to the
government survey, wherever the same is practicable and reasonable, and so as not to
interfere with the use by the public of the highways or streams of the state, nor unnecessarily
interfere with the use of any lands by the occupant.
[S13, §2120-r; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §8325; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, §489.17; C66, 71, 73, 75,
§489.18; C77, 79, 81, §478.18]
2002 Acts, ch 1097, §2
Removal from highway, chapter 318

478.19 Manner of construction.

1. Transmission lines shall be built of strong and proper wires attached to strong and
sufficient supports properly insulated at all points of attachment; all wires, poles, and other
devices which by ordinary wear or other causes are no longer safe shall be removed and
replaced by new wires, poles, or other devices, as the case may be, and all abandoned wires,
poles, or other devices shall be at once removed. Where wires carrying current are carried
across, either above or below wires used for other service, the said transmission line shall
be constructed in such manner as to eliminate, so far as practicable, damages to persons
or property by reason of said crossing. There shall also be installed sufficient devices to
automatically shut off electric current through said transmission line whenever connection is
made whereby current is transmitted from the wires of said transmission line to the ground,
and there shall also be provided a safe and modern improved device for the protection of
said line against lightning. The utilities board shall have power to make and enforce such
further and additional rules relating to location, construction, operation and maintenance of
transmission lines as may be reasonable.
2. All transmission lines, wires or cables outside of cities for the transmission, distribution
or sale of electric current at any voltage shall be constructed and maintained in accordance
with standards adopted by rule by the utilities board.
[S13, §2120-r; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §8326; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, §489.18; C66, 71, 73, 75,
§489.19; C77, 79, 81, §478.19]
84 Acts, ch 1101, §3; 2018 Acts, ch 1026, §147

478.20 Distance from buildings.

No transmission line shall be constructed, except by agreement, within one hundred feet of
any dwelling house or other building, except where said line crosses or passes along a public
highway or is located alongside or parallel with the right-of-way of any railway company. In
addition to the foregoing, each person, company, or corporation shall conform to any other

Thu Dec 29 17:19:55 2022 Iowa Code 2023, Chapter 478 (32, 1)
11 ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINES, §478.25

rules, regulations, or specifications established by the utilities board, in the construction,

operation, or maintenance of such lines.
[S13, §2120-r; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §8327; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, §489.19; C66, 71, 73, 75,
§489.20; C77, 79, 81, §478.20]

478.21 Nonuse — revocation of franchise — extensions of time.

1. If the improvement for which a franchise is granted is not constructed in whole or
in part within two years from the date the franchise is granted, or within two years after
final unappealable disposition of judicial review of a franchise order or of condemnation
proceedings, the franchise shall be forfeited and the utilities board which granted the
franchise shall revoke the franchise and make a record of the revocation, unless the person
holding the franchise petitions the board for an extension of time.
2. Upon a showing of sufficient justification for the delay of construction, the board may
grant one or more extensions of time for periods up to two years for each extension.
[C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §8329; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, §489.20; C66, 71, 73, 75, §489.21; C77, 79,
81, §478.21]
94 Acts, ch 1136, §5; 2002 Acts, ch 1097, §3
Referred to in §478.6A

478.22 Action for violation.

When the board determines that a person is in violation of this chapter, the board may
commence an action in the district court of the county in which the violation is alleged to
have occurred, for injunctive relief or other appropriate remedy.
[C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §8330; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, §489.21; C66, 71, 73, 75, §489.22; C77, 79,
81, §478.22]
91 Acts, ch 112, §1

478.23 Prior franchises — legislative control.

Any such franchise granted under previously existing law shall not be abrogated by the
provisions of this chapter, but all such franchises and all franchises granted under the
provisions of this chapter shall be subject to further legislative control.
[C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §8331; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, §489.22; C66, 71, 73, 75, §489.23; C77, 79,
81, §478.23]
2022 Acts, ch 1032, §75
Section amended

478.24 Violations.
Any person, company, or corporation constructing or undertaking to construct or maintain
any electric transmission line, without first procuring a franchise for such purpose in
accordance with the provisions of this chapter, shall be guilty of a serious misdemeanor;
and for violating any of the other provisions of this chapter relating to electric transmission
lines or disobeying any order or rule made by the utilities board in relation thereto, shall be
guilty of a simple misdemeanor.
[S13, §1527-d; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §8332; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, §489.23; C66, 71, 73, 75,
§489.24; C77, 79, 81, §478.24]

478.25 Wire crossing railroads — supervision.

The utilities board shall have general supervision over any and all wires whatsoever
crossing under or over any railway track and shall make rules prescribing the manner in
which such wires shall cross such track; but in no case shall the board prescribe a less height
for any wire than twenty-two feet above the top of the rails of any railroad track.
[S13, §2120-d, -e, -h; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §8333; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, §489.24; C66, 71, 73, 75,
§489.25; C77, 79, 81, §478.25]

Thu Dec 29 17:19:55 2022 Iowa Code 2023, Chapter 478 (32, 1)
§478.26, ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINES 12

478.26 Wires across railroad right-of-way at highways.

The utilities board shall prescribe the manner for the crossing of wires over and across
railroad rights-of-way at highways and other places within the state.
[S13, §2120-i; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §8334; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, §489.25; C66, 71, 73, 75,
§489.26; C77, 79, 81, §478.26]

478.27 Wires — how strung.

No corporation or person shall place or string any such wire for transmitting electric current
or any wire whatsoever across any track of a railroad except in the manner prescribed by the
utilities board.
[S13, §2120-f; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §8335; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, §489.26; C66, 71, 73, 75,
§489.27; C77, 79, 81, §478.27]

478.28 Examination of existing wires.

The utilities board shall, either by personal examination or otherwise, obtain information
where railroad tracks are crossed by wires contrary to, or not in compliance with, the
rules prescribed by it. It shall order such change or changes to be made by the persons or
corporations owning or operating such wires as may be necessary to make the same comply
with said rules and within such reasonable time as it may prescribe.
[S13, §2120-g; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §8336; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, §489.27; C66, 71, 73, 75,
§489.28; C77, 79, 81, §478.28]

478.29 Civil penalties.

1. A person who violates a provision of this chapter is subject to a civil penalty, which may
be levied by the board, of not more than one hundred dollars per violation or one thousand
dollars per day of a continuing violation, whichever is greater. Civil penalties collected
pursuant to this section shall be forwarded by the chief operating officer of the board to
the treasurer of state to be credited to the general fund of the state and appropriated to the
division of community action agencies of the department of human rights for purposes of the
low income home energy assistance program and the weatherization assistance program.
2. Any civil penalty may be compromised by the board. In determining the amount
of the penalty, or the amount agreed upon in compromise, the board shall consider the
appropriateness of the penalty to the size of the business of the person charged, the gravity of
the violation, and the good faith of the person charged in attempting to achieve compliance
after notification of a violation.
[S13, §2120-j; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §8337; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, §489.28; C66, 71, 73, 75,
§489.29; C77, 79, 81, §478.29]
83 Acts, ch 127, §42; 91 Acts, ch 112, §2; 2017 Acts, ch 169, §44, 49; 2018 Acts, ch 1160, §24

478.30 Crossing highway.

Nothing in this chapter shall prevent any such individual or corporation having its high
tension line on its own private right-of-way on both sides of any highway, from crossing such
public highway under such rules and regulations as the utilities board may prescribe, and
subject from time to time to legislative control as to duration and use.
[C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §8338; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, §489.29; C66, 71, 73, 75, §489.30; C77, 79,
81, §478.30]

478.31 Temporary permits for lines less than one mile.

1. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 478.1, any person, company, or corporation
proposing to construct an electric transmission line not exceeding one mile in length and
which does not involve the taking of property under the right of eminent domain may obtain
a temporary construction permit from the utilities board by proceeding in the manner set
forth in this section. The person, company, or corporation shall first file with the board a
verified petition setting forth the requirements of section 478.3, subsection 1, paragraphs “a”
through “h”, with the further allegation that the petitioner is the nearest electric utility to the
proposed point of service.

Thu Dec 29 17:19:55 2022 Iowa Code 2023, Chapter 478 (32, 1)
13 ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINES, §478.33

2. The petition shall also state that the filing thereof constitutes an application for a
temporary construction permit and shall also have endorsed thereon the approval of the
appropriate highway authority or railroad concerned if such line is to be constructed over,
across, or along a public highway or railroad.
3. Upon receipt of the petition, the utilities board shall consider same and may grant
a temporary construction permit in whole or in part or upon such terms, conditions, and
restrictions, and with such modifications as to location as may seem to it just and proper. A
finding of public use shall not be made at the time of the issuance of the permit, but shall
be made, if substantiated by petitioner, at the subsequent consideration of the propriety
of granting a franchise for the line subject to the permit. The signature of one utilities
board member on the permit shall be sufficient. The issuance of the permit shall constitute
temporary authority for the permit holder to construct the line for which the permit is granted.
4. Upon the granting of such temporary construction permit, the utilities board shall
cause the publication of notice required by section 478.5 and all other requirements shall
be complied with as in the manner provided for the granting of a franchise. If a hearing is
required, then the petitioner shall make a sufficient and proper showing thereat before a
franchise will be issued for the line. Any franchise issued will be subject to all applicable
provisions of this chapter.
5. Notwithstanding subsections 1 through 4, if the utilities board shall determine that a
franchise should not be granted, or that further restrictions, conditions, or modifications are
required, or if the petitioner shall fail to make a sufficient and proper showing of the necessity
for the granting of a franchise within six months of the granting of the temporary construction
permit, the permit issued hereunder shall become null and void and the permit holder may
be required to take such action deemed necessary by the board to remove, modify, or relocate
the construction undertaken by virtue of the temporary permit issued hereunder.
[C66, 71, 73, 75, §489.31; C77, 79, 81, §478.31]
2015 Acts, ch 30, §156

478.32 Rehearing — judicial review.

Any person, company, or corporation aggrieved by the action of the utilities board in
granting or failing to grant a franchise under the provisions of this chapter, shall be entitled
to the rehearing procedure provided in section 476.12. Judicial review of actions of the
board may be sought in accordance with the terms of the Iowa administrative procedure
Act, chapter 17A.
[C71, 73, 75, §489.32; C77, 79, 81, §478.32]
2003 Acts, ch 44, §114

478.33 Cancellation.
A person seeking to acquire an easement or other property interest for the construction,
maintenance, or operation of an electric transmission line shall:
1. Allow the landowner or a person serving in a fiduciary capacity in the landowner’s
behalf to cancel any agreement granting an easement or other interest by certified mail with
return requested to the company’s principal place of business if received by the company
within seven days, excluding Saturday and Sunday, of the date of the contract and inform
the landowner or such fiduciary in writing of the right to cancel prior to the signing of the
agreement by the landowner or such fiduciary.
2. Provide the landowner or a person serving in a fiduciary capacity in the landowner’s
behalf with a form in duplicate for the notice of cancellation.
3. Not record any agreement until after the period for cancellation has expired.
4. Not include in the agreement any waiver of the right to cancel in accordance with this
section. The landowner or a person serving in a fiduciary capacity in the landowner’s behalf
may exercise the right of cancellation only once for each transmission line project.
[C81, §478.33]

Thu Dec 29 17:19:56 2022 Iowa Code 2023, Chapter 478 (32, 1)