69-8-311. Cooperative utility -- exemption. (1) Within 1 year after May 2, 1997, a cooperative utility may file a notice with the commission that the cooperative utility does not intend to open the cooperative utility's distribution facilities to electricity suppliers and does not intend to adopt a transition plan. Except as otherwise provided in the universal system benefits program pursuant to 69-8-402, a cooperative utility filing notice under this section is exempt from the provisions and requirements of this chapter.
     (2) A cooperative utility filing a notice under this section:
     (a) may elect later to adopt a transition plan in accordance with this chapter; and
     (b) may not use a public utility's distribution facilities unless preexisting contracts exist.

     History: En. Sec. 20, Ch. 505, L. 1997.