Whom is Elizabeth's easement in gross encumbered by?

The correct choice indicates that Elizabeth's easement in gross is encumbered by the utility company that needs access to a power line. An easement in gross is a type of easement that benefits a particular individual or entity (in this case, Elizabeth) rather than a specific parcel of land. This means that the easement is tied to the utility company's right to access or utilize a property for their defined purpose, such as maintaining or repairing electrical infrastructure.

In the context of easements, the term "encumbered" refers to the obligation that the owner of the servient tenement (the property over which the easement runs) must allow the holder of the easement the right of use that has been granted. The utility company has a vested interest in accessing the area for maintenance and operations associated with the power line, thereby directly impacting Elizabeth’s right to use the property where her easement exists.

The other choices pertain to different scenarios involving possible interactions with other parties, but they do not reflect the obligations associated with an easement in gross that Elizabeth holds. For example, while a neighbor's fence might affect access, it does not create an encumbrance on Elizabeth's easement. Similarly, the owner of a nearby empty