Upon filing such application, the commission shall set a day for the hearing thereof in accordance with its rules and practice relating to hearings and notify the applicant thereof. A copy of said application and a notice of the time and place of hearing such application shall also be served upon each and every other utility or agency in the municipality or municipalities proposed to be served by said applicant then rendering similar service therein, and also upon the clerk or other similar officer of each municipality, at least 10 days before such hearing, and said persons so served shall each be permitted to appear and be heard with reference to said application.