Public Utilities - Historical Notes

1. Private Acts of 1911, Chapter 643, provided that, in Warren County, (identified by the use of the 1910 Federal Census figures) all water, electric power, light, heat, and water power companies organized under the laws of the State of Tennessee were given the right to acquire and appropriate for necessary reservoir purposes, by exercise of the right of eminent domain, the lands and properties of grist mills of every kind and nature. These companies could also acquire by condemnation the right to flood the lands owned by any railroad company under their trestles, bridges, and viaducts. These utilities companies could also acquire by condemnation the lands and properties of other light and power companies under certain conditions. The exercise of the right of eminent domain was to strictly follow all the legal procedures established by the Code of Tennessee.