<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="5-201" title_number="5" title_name="Powers, Duties, and Prohibitions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Powers of Public Service Companies">
  <level label="a">
    <text>A public service company may not exercise a franchise granted by law except to the extent authorized by the Commission.</text>
  </level>
  <level label="b">
    <text>A public service company may not exercise a franchise unless it files with the Commission:</text>
    <level label="1">
      <text>a certified copy of its charter; and</text>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>a statement by its president and secretary, signed under oath, that the appropriate local authorities have provided the required consent for the exercise of the franchise.</text>
    </level>
  </level>
</section>
