(a) Any person engaged in the construction or operation of any pipeline or distribution system, or any extension thereof, as of February 17, 1956, shall be entitled to receive a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the commission authorizing that person to continue the construction or operation of such pipeline or distribution system, or any extension thereof, in the territory being served by that person on February 17, 1956, if by February 17, 1957, that person filed maps with the commission showing the territory being served by that person.

(b) If, pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section, more than one person filed maps indicating service in the same territory, the commission shall, after a hearing conducted after the giving of reasonable notice to the interested parties, determine from such evidence as it may reasonably require which of such persons shall be entitled to the certificate of public convenience and necessity. In making such determination, the commission shall consider the ability of such persons to furnish thereafter reasonably adequate service in the territory in question.

(c) Pending the granting of a certificate as provided in this Code section, a person applying for such certificate under this Code section may lawfully continue the construction or operation of any pipeline or distribution system, or any extension thereof, in the territory being served by such person on February 17, 1956.