(a) The application of the foreign electric cooperative for a certificate of authority shall be delivered to the Secretary of State for filing as provided in Code Section 46-3-174, together with a copy of its articles of incorporation and all amendments thereto, or, in lieu thereof, if provided by its jurisdiction of incorporation, a copy of its latest restated, composite, or consolidated articles of incorporation and all amendments subsequent thereto, either of which copy shall have been duly authenticated by the proper officer of its jurisdiction of incorporation within 90 days of the date the application is filed under this subsection.

(b) Upon filing the application, the Secretary of State shall issue and deliver to the foreign electric cooperative or its representative a certificate of authority to transact business in this state.