69-4-314. Determination of conversion costs. In determining the conversion costs included in the cost and feasibility report required by 69-4-313, the public utility is entitled to amounts sufficient to repay it for the following, as computed and reflected by the uniform system of accounts approved by the Montana public service commission, federal communications commission, or federal power commission or if the public utility is not subject to regulation by any of the above governmental agencies, by the public utility's system of accounts then in use and in accordance with standard accounting procedures of the public utility:

(1) the original costs less depreciation taken of the existing overhead electric and communication facilities to be removed;

(2) the estimated costs of removing the overhead electric and communication facilities less the salvage value of the facilities removed;

(3) if the estimated cost of constructing new underground facilities exceeds the estimated cost of constructing new aerial facilities, then the cost difference between the two;

(4) the cost of obtaining new easements when technical considerations make it reasonably necessary to utilize easements for the underground facilities different from those used for above ground facilities or where the preexisting easements are insufficient for the underground facilities.