Facilities located within public rights-of-way

(a) In general A consumer-regulated electric utility may construct and operate facilities within existing public rights-of-way, subject to the same permitting, restoration, and public-safety requirements applicable to a public utility (as defined in section 201(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824(e))). (b) Limitation Notwithstanding subsection (a), the review of an application for the construction or operation of a facility within an existing public right-of-way by a consumer-regulated electric utility shall be confined exclusively to the adequacy of— (1) right-of-way restoration; and (2) storm-response planning.