(a) For purposes of this chapter, a utility shall mean all of the following:

1. (1) An electric corporation.
2. (2) A water corporation.
3. (3) A telephone corporation.
4. (4) A telecommunications carrier, as defined in Section 153 of Title 47 of the United States Code.
5. (5) A gas corporation.
6. (6) A local publicly owned electric utility and a publicly owned gas utility.
7. (7) A special district that owns or operates utilities.

(b) This chapter shall also apply to the following entities:

1. (1) A cable television corporation.
2. (2) A cable operator, as defined in Section 522 of Title 47 of the United States Code.