Montana Code Annotated 2023

TITLE 69. PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS

CHAPTER 4. UTILITY LINES AND FACILITIES

Part 3. Underground Conversion of Utilities

Definitions

69-4-303. Definitions. As used in this part, the following words and phrases and any variations thereof shall have the following meaning:

(1) "Communication service" means the transmission of intelligence by electrical means, including but not limited to telephone, telegraph, messenger-call, clock, police, fire alarm, and traffic control circuits or the transmission of standard television or radio signals.

(2) "Convert" or "conversion" means the removal of all or any part of any existing overhead electric or communications facilities and the replacement thereof with underground electric or communication facilities constructed at the same or different locations.

(3) "Electric or communication facilities" means any works or improvements used or useful in providing electric or communication service, including but not limited to poles, supports, tunnels, manholes, vaults, conduits, pipes, wires, conductors, guys, stubs, platforms, crossarms, braces, transformers, insulators, cutouts, switches, capacitors, meters, communication circuits, appliances, attachments, and appurtenances.

(4) "Electrical service" means the distribution of electricity for heat, light, or power.

(5) "Governing body" means the board of county commissioners or city council, as may be appropriate, depending on whether the special improvement district is located in a county or within a city or town.

(6) "Ordinance" means resolution where the governing body acts by resolution and vice versa.

(7) "Overhead electric or communication facilities" means electric or communication facilities located, in whole or in part, above the surface of the ground.

(8) "Public utility" means any public or private person, corporation, or cooperative that provides electric or communication service to the public by means of electric or communication facilities and shall include any special improvement district that provides electric or communication service to the public by means of electric or communication facilities.

(9) "Underground electric or communication facilities" means electric or communication facilities located, in whole or in part, beneath the surface of the ground.

History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 429, L. 1971; R.C.M. 1947, 70-603(part).