Taxes imposed by the state board of equalization under this chapter are taxes upon the privilege of doing business in this state and are in lieu of all real or personal property taxes levied by the state or any of its political subdivisions upon real or personal property to the extent the property is owned and used by a company in the operation and conduct of the business of generation or delivery of electricity through distribution or transmission lines. Taxes under this chapter are not in lieu of property taxes on the following:
This chapter does not abridge the power of a governing board of a city to franchise the construction and operation of a public utility.
N.D.C.C. § 57-33.2-05