Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, a municipality may not directly or indirectly regulate the rates, operations, and services of an electric cooperative, except, with respect to operations, to the extent necessary to protect the public health, safety, or welfare. This section does not prohibit a municipality from making a lawful charge for the use of public rights-of-way within the municipality as provided by § 182.025, Tax Code, and Section 33.008. An electric cooperative shall be an electric utility for purposes of § 182.025, Tax Code, and Section 33.008.