Any political subdivision may, at any time, file with the commission either a petition of the first class, setting forth the intention of the political subdivision to acquire under eminent domain proceedings, or otherwise, the lands, property, and rights of any character whatsoever of any public utility or a petition of the second class, setting forth the intention of the political subdivision to initiate such proceedings as may be required under the law governing the political subdivision for the purpose of submitting to the voters of the political subdivision a proposition to acquire under eminent domain proceedings, or otherwise, the lands, property, and rights of any character whatsoever of any public utility.