Franchise fees are payments utilities make to municipalities for the right to use public property—streets, rights-of-way, and municipal land—for infrastructure like power lines, gas pipelines, telecommunications cables, and distribution equipment. These fees compensate municipalities for the use of public land and the disruption caused by utility installations and maintenance. Fee structures vary: some are flat annual payments, others are based on revenue or infrastructure value. Franchise fees represent a revenue source for municipalities but can also increase utility costs passed to consumers. Franchise agreements typically specify fee amounts, infrastructure standards, restoration requirements after excavations, and terms for agreement renewal. Some jurisdictions regulate franchise fees to prevent excessive charges. As utilities expand infrastructure (5G telecommunications, electric vehicle charging), franchise agreement negotiations address new technologies and their use of public spaces.