Amends GS 62-100 (Definitions), making technical changes. Expands the definition of the term public utility to include, (1) a public utility as defined in GS 62-3(23); (2) an electric membership cooperative; (3) a joint municipal power agency; and (4) a city or county that is engaged in producing, generating, transmitting, delivering, or furnishing electricity for private or public use.

Amends GS 62-101(a), providing that only a public utility, as defined in this Article, may obtain a certificate to construct a new transmission line.

Effective when the act becomes law and applies to certificates of environmental capability and public convenience and necessity issued on or after that date.