If, upon the hearing of the application, it appears to the satisfaction of the board of county commissioners that the applicant is engaged in the business of furnishing electric light, heat or power within two or more counties of this state and that the granting of the franchise is in the best interests of the residents of the county, the board of county commissioners shall thereupon grant the franchise for a term not exceeding 50 years.
[4:102:1919; 1919 RL p. 2808; NCL § 3200] — (NRS A 1985, 321; 1987, 2237)