Maryland Public Utility Companies Section 5-201

      (a)      A public service company may not exercise a franchise granted by law except to the extent authorized by the Commission.

      (b)      A public service company may not exercise a franchise unless it files with the Commission:

            (1)      a certified copy of its charter; and

            (2)      a statement by its president and secretary, signed under oath, that the appropriate local authorities have provided the required consent for the exercise of the franchise.