As used in this chapter, the following words and phrases, and any variants thereof, are defined as follows:

“Cable operator” has the same meaning as defined in Section 5830 of the Public Utilities Code.

“Cable television service” has the same meaning as “cable service” as defined in Section 5830 of the Public Utilities Code.

“Communication service” means the transmission of intelligence by electrical means, including, but not limited to, telephone, telegraph, messenger-call, clock, police, fire alarm, and traffic control circuits, and circuits for the transmission of television or radio signals.

“Convert” or “conversion” means the removal of all, or any part, of any existing overhead electric or communication facilities and the replacement thereof with underground electric or communication facilities constructed at the same or different locations.

“Electric service” means the distribution of electricity for heat, light, or power.

“Electric or communication facilities” means any works or improvements used or useful in providing electrical, cable television, or communication service, including, but not limited to, poles, supports, tunnels, manholes, vaults, conduits, pipes, wires, conductors, guys, stubs, platforms, crossarms, braces, transformers, insulators, cutouts, switches, capacitors, meters, communication circuits, appliances, attachments, and appurtenances, other than those owned or used by, or provided for, any railroad or pipeline, and located upon or above the right-of-way of the railroad or pipeline. “Electric facilities” does not include any facilities used or intended to be used for the transmission of electric energy at nominal voltages in excess of 35,000 volts.

“Overhead electric or communication facilities” means electrical, cable television, or communication facilities located, in whole or in part, above the surface of the ground.

“Underground electric or communication facilities” means electrical, cable television, or communication facilities located, in whole or in part, beneath the surface of the ground.

“Public agency” means any city, county, district, or public corporation (other than the one conducting the proceedings) that provides electric or communication service to the public by means of electric or communication facilities.

“Public utility” means any person or corporation that provides electric or communication service to the public by means of electric or communication facilities.

(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 792, Sec. 2. (AB 1145) Effective January 1, 2018.)