A portion of Lance's property is being used by a local utility company for power lines. What is this an example of?

This scenario exemplifies an easement, which is a legal right to use a portion of another person's property for a specific purpose, such as utilities. In this case, the utility company's use of part of Lance's property for power lines is likely based on an easement agreement, which grants them the access needed to install and maintain their infrastructure without owning the land.

Easements are common for utility companies, allowing them to carry out necessary functions while still respecting property ownership. This arrangement benefits both parties: the utility company can provide essential services, and the property owner often benefits from the convenience of having utilities available.

Other options like eminent domain would imply the government has taken private property for public use without the owner's consent, which doesn't apply since the scenario only mentions utility use, not a forced acquisition. Encroachment refers to unauthorized use of one property by another, which also does not fit as there is no indication that the utility company is trespassing without right. Lastly, there is nothing in the scenario that suggests the utility's use is illegal; rather, it follows typical procedures for easement usage. Thus, the situation depicted strongly aligns with the definition of an easement.