a) EXEMPTIONS, EXISTING OR PROPOSED UTILITY CORPORATION - The provisions of this Zoning Ordinance shall not apply to any existing or proposed utility corporation, if, upon petition of the corporation, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission shall, after a public hearing, decide that the present or proposed situation of the building in question is reasonably necessary for the convenience or welfare of the public. It shall be the responsibility of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to ensure that both the corporation and the municipality in which the building or proposed building is located have notice of the hearing and are granted an opportunity to appear, present witnesses, cross-examine witnesses presented by other parties, and otherwise exercise the rights of a party to the proceedings.