The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Certified territory." An unincorporated area as certified pursuant to section 7354 (relating to boundaries of certified territories; hearings).

"Commission." The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission of the Commonwealth.

"Electric-consuming facilities." Everything that utilizes electric energy from a central station source.

"Existing distribution line." An electric line of a design voltage of 35 kV phase to phase or less which on July 30, 1975:

(1) was located in an unincorporated area; and

(2) was or had been used for retail electric service.

"Hearing." A hearing by the commission pursuant to reasonable notice to all affected retail electric suppliers.

"Retail electric service." Electric service furnished to a consumer for ultimate consumption, but not including wholesale electric energy furnished by an electric supplier to another electric supplier for resale.

"Retail electric supplier." Any person, exclusive of a municipal corporation, engaged in the furnishing of retail electric service. The term shall apply only to a retail electric supplier which is an electric cooperative corporation and to a retail electric supplier which is subject to the jurisdiction of the commission for rates, terms and conditions for electric service and has a mutual boundary in an unincorporated area with an electric cooperative corporation.

"Unincorporated area." A geographical area outside the corporate limits of cities and boroughs.