The following words, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless otherwise clearly apparent from the context:

1. (1) The word "Commission" shall mean Public Service Commission.

2. (2) The words "major utility facility" shall mean:

   1. (a) Electric generating plant and associated facilities designed for, or capable of, operation at a capacity of more than seventy-five megawatts.
   2. (b) An electric transmission line and associated facilities of a designed operating voltage of one hundred twenty-five kilovolts or more; provided, however, that the words "major utility facility" shall not include electric distribution lines and associated facilities, nor shall the words "major utility facility" include electric transmission lines and associated facilities leased to and operated by (or which upon completion of construction are to be leased to and operated by) the South Carolina Public Service Authority.
3. (3) The words "commence to construct" shall mean any clearing of land, excavation or other action that would adversely affect the natural environment of the site or route of a major utility facility, but does not include surveying or changes needed for temporary use of sites or routes for nonutility purposes, or uses in securing geological data, including necessary borings to ascertain foundation conditions.
4. (4) The word "municipality" shall mean any county or municipality within this State.
5. (5) The word "person" shall include any individual, group, firm, partnership, corporation, cooperative, association, government subdivision, government agency, local government, municipality, any other organization, or any combination of any of the foregoing, but shall not include the South Carolina Public Service Authority.
6. (6) The words "public utility" or "utility" shall mean any person engaged in the generating, distributing, sale, delivery or furnishing of electricity for public use.
7. (7) The word "land" shall mean any real estate or any estate or interest therein, including water and riparian rights, regardless of the use to which it is devoted.
8. (8) The word "certificate" shall mean a certificate of environmental compatibility and public convenience and necessity.