Iowa Code Title XI. Natural Resources [Chs. 455-485] § 478.13. Extension of franchise--public notice

1. Any person, firm, or corporation owning a franchise granted under this chapter or previously existing law may petition the utilities board for an extension of the franchise. The board shall adopt rules governing extension applications and proceedings with the intent that the extension applications and proceedings are less extensive than original applications and proceedings. Assessment of costs shall be as provided in section 478.4.

2. If the extension of franchise is sought for all lines in a given county or counties, the published notice need not contain a general description of the lands and highways traversed by the lines, but in lieu of containing such description the petitioner may offer to provide to any interested party, free of charge and within ten working days, a current, accurate map showing the location of the lines for which the franchise extension is sought. The public notice shall advise the citizens of the county or counties affected of the availability of such map. If this alternate procedure is not followed, the publication of the description of the lands and highways traversed by the lines shall be done in the manner as in an original application for franchise.

3. An extension under this section shall be granted only for a valid, existing franchise, and the lands, roads, or streams covered by the franchise over, through, or upon which electric transmission lines have in fact been erected or constructed and are in use or operation at the time of the application for the extension of the franchise.

4. The application for the extension of the franchise shall be accompanied by the written consent of the applicant that the provisions of all laws relating to public utilities, franchises, and transmission lines, or to the regulation, supervision, or control thereof which are then in force or which may be thereafter enacted, shall apply to its existing line or lines, franchises, and rights as if the franchise had been granted, the lines had been constructed, or rights had been obtained under the provisions of this chapter.

5. An extension of a franchise is not required for an electric transmission line that has been permanently retired from operation at sixty-nine kilovolts or more but that remains in service at a lower voltage. The board shall be notified of changes in operating status.