It is the intent of the legislature by the passage of the Municipal Electric Generation Act to authorize municipalities which own municipal electric distribution systems on July 1, 1979 to acquire, own and dispose of any generating facility and any undivided or other interest, including without limitation any right to entitlement or capacity, in a jointly owned generating facility and to participate in the operation, maintenance and management of any such facility or contract with respect to the operation, maintenance and management of any such facility for the purpose of meeting present or future electric power and energy necessities.