(a) No electric utility may begin site preparation for or construction of an electric transmission line, or exercise the right of eminent domain to acquire any interest in land in connection with the site preparation for a construction of any such line without first acquiring a siting permit from the commission. Whenever any electric utility desires to obtain such a permit, the utility shall file an application with the commission setting forth therein that the utility proposes to construct an electric transmission line and specifying:

(1) The proposed location thereof;

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(2) the names and addresses of the landowners of record whose land or interest therein is proposed to be acquired in connection with the construction of or is located within 660 feet of the center line of the easement where the line is proposed to be located; and

(3) such other information as may be required by the commission.

(b) Upon the filing of an application pursuant to subsection (a), the commission shall fix a time for a public hearing on such application, which shall be not more than 90 days after the date the application was filed, to determine the necessity for and the reasonableness of the location of the proposed electric transmission line. The commission shall fix the place for hearing, which shall be in one of the counties through which the electric transmission line is proposed to traverse.

(c) The commission may conduct an evidentiary hearing on an application filed pursuant to this section at such time and place as the commission deems appropriate.

(d) The commission shall issue a final order on the application within 120 days after the date the application was filed.