AUTHORITY OF GENERAL-LAW MUNICIPALITY TO PROTECT UTILITY.

(a) The governing body of a general-law municipality may adopt an ordinance that applies to a utility using the streets and public grounds of the municipality and that protects the utility: (1) in the free enjoyment of the utility's rights and privileges; and (2) from interference with the utility's property and franchises. (b) In this section, "utility" means a person, company, or corporation engaged in furnishing water, gas, telephone, light, power, or sewage service to the public.