When, in any proceeding before the Interstate Commerce Commission, Federal Communications Commission, Federal Power Commission, Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal bureau or agency, any interstate rate or regulation or any interstate rate, charge, regulation, rule or practice in the State of Alabama is drawn in question or affected, the commission may through its members or agents intervene in such case, take part therein and make such contentions as it shall deem proper.

The commission additionally may, through its members or agents, initiate or participate in, as a real party in interest or as a permissive party with a recognized interest in the outcome, any litigation, administrative hearings or any other proceedings before the Interstate Commerce Commission, Federal Communications Commission, Federal Power Commission, Securities and Exchange Commission, Tennessee Valley Authority or any other federal bureau, agency or instrumentality whenever deemed in the best interest of the utility ratepayers in Alabama.

Nothing in this section shall be deemed to permit such intervention, initiation, or participation in any litigation, hearings, or proceedings involving municipal utilities, cooperatives, electric membership corporations, and other similar membership corporations, including specifically, but not by way of limitation, those such entities referred to in Chapters 50 and 50A of Title 11, Chapters 6 and 7 of Title 37, and Chapter 7 of Title 39, as amended.