(a) Cities and towns in this state are authorized to construct, lease, purchase, or otherwise acquire power lines for the transmission of electricity from any point in this state or any other state to said city or town for the purpose of serving the needs of its citizens.
(b) For the purposes of this section cities and towns may exercise the right of eminent domain in acquiring title to land for rights-of-way, power stations, and other purposes necessary to the operation of said transmission lines. Such eminent domain proceedings shall be conducted in the manner provided by law.