All cities of the third class may grant to any person or corporation formed under the laws of this state or doing business as a foreign corporation under the laws of this state, the privilege and franchise for a period of thirty years, to use the streets, alleys and other public places of such cities, for the purpose of laying pipes, conduits or other heating apparatus thereon and therein, and connecting same with the heating plant of such person or corporation, to furnish heat to the inhabitants of the city at a reasonable rate to be agreed upon by the person or corporation furnishing the heat and the person using the same. Such privilege and franchise may be renewed for another period or periods not to exceed thirty years per period. The plant to heat the city may be by means of hot water, steam, hot air or electricity, or in any other mode that may be advisable, but the person or corporation, to which the franchise or privilege is granted, shall commence operation under its franchise or right within two years after the granting of such franchise or right, or the same shall be forfeited. Such franchise or privilege may be extended or renewed by the city council of such city for another period or periods of not more than thirty years per period, and the extensions or renewals of such franchise or privilege shall be subject to voter approval of the majority of the voters voting on the question, pursuant to the provisions of section 88.251. An initial privilege or franchise must be approved by a majority of the voters of the municipality voting on the question.