Q: We are in the process building a pool in our backyard. We have a 16 foot utility easement across our backyard.
We received a consent to encroach from City of Houston where they authorized building the pool. We ran into a gas line while digging, and Center Point Energy is claiming we cannot encroach on the easement and need to fill the hole in our backyard, otherwise they will file "unauthorized use" with the county clerk's office. Originally, Center Point said we could pay $350 to reroute the gas line. They then told us that since the gas line is a main line, it would cost $750 to reroute. We have no problem paying the fee, we just want the gas line moved which Center Point is now saying they will not do. How we get a consent to encroach with Center Point. They are saying we need to fill the hole in the ground and request the consent to encroach from them.
A: Offer Center Point more money.
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