(2) The evaluation of investments shall include:

(i) the electric companies' promotion and conduct of a building
audit and weatherization program, including low interest or no interest electric
company financing for the installation of energy-conservation materials and
renewable energy devices;

(ii) utilization of renewable energy sources;

(iii) promotion and utilization of electricity from cogeneration and

wastes; and

(iv) widespread public promotion of energy conservation programs.

7-207.

(a) (1) In this section and § 7-208 of this subtitle, "construction means the
clearing of land, excavation, or other action that affects the natural environment of a
site or route of a bulk power supply facility.

(2) "Construction" does not include a change that is needed for the
temporary use of a site or route for nonutility purposes or for use in securing
geological data, including any boring that is necessary to ascertain foundation
conditions.

(b) [An electric company may not begin construction in the State of a
generating station or of an overhead transmission line that is designed to carry a
voltage in excess of 69,000 volts, or exercise the right of condemnation in connection
with the construction, unless] UNLESS a certificate of public convenience and
necessity for the construction is first obtained from the Commission:

(1) A PERSON MAY NOT BEGIN CONSTRUCTION IN THE STATE OF A
GENERATING STATION OR EXERCISE A RIGHT OF CONDEMNATION IN CONNECTION
WITH THE CONSTRUCTION; AND

(2) AN ELECTRIC COMPANY MAY NOT BEGIN CONSTRUCTION OF AN
OVERHEAD TRANSMISSION LINE THAT IS DESIGNED TO CARRY A VOLTAGE IN
EXCESS OF 60,000 VOLTS OR EXERCISE A RIGHT OF CONDEMNATION IN CONNECTION
WITH THE CONSTRUCTION.

(e) (1) On receipt of an application for a certificate of public convenience and
necessity under this section, the Commission shall provide notice to the Office of
Planning and to all other interested persons.

(2) The Office of Planning shall forward the application to each
appropriate State unit and unit of local government for review, evaluation, and
comment regarding the significance of the proposal to State, area-wide, and local
plans or programs.

(d) (1) The Commission shall hold a public hearing on the application for a
certificate of public convenience and necessity in each county and municipal