Which type of easement allows a utility company to manage infrastructure on private property?

The correct answer relates to an easement of gross, which is specifically tailored to benefit an entity rather than a particular piece of land. In the case of utility companies, they typically require access to private property to install, maintain, or repair infrastructure like power lines, water pipes, or telecommunications equipment. This type of easement is not tied to the land itself, meaning it does not transfer if the property is sold; it exists solely for the benefit of the utility company.

Easements of gross are essential for utilities to ensure continuous service to their customers, enabling them to legally cross over private land without obtaining permission from the property owner each time. This legal right is established and recorded to protect the utility's ability to maintain their infrastructure.

Other types of easements mentioned serve different purposes. An easement appurtenant involves a dominant and servient estate, where benefits are tied directly to land rather than a legal entity. An easement by necessity provides access to a landlocked property but does not inherently relate to utility access. Lastly, an easement by prescription is gained through continuous and uninterrupted use over a statutory period but is not the primary way utilities acquire their access rights. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why the easement of gross is the