(a) Where an electric utility installs facilities used to provide middle mile broadband service under § 43.051, the electric utility’s investment in those facilities is eligible for inclusion in the electric utility’s invested capital, and any fees or operating expenses that are reasonable and necessary are eligible for inclusion as operating expenses for purposes of any proceeding under Chapter 36. The commission may allow an electric utility to recover investment and associated costs in middle mile broadband service if the plan for the service has been submitted and approved under § 43.102.
(b) In a proceeding under Chapter 36, revenue received by an electric utility from an Internet service provider for the use of middle mile broadband service must be applied as a revenue credit to customers in proportion to the customers’ funding of the underlying infrastructure.