The Legislature finds and declares that financing the acquisition of privately owned facilities of an electrical or gas corporation by a municipal corporation not previously engaged in furnishing electricity or gas to customers on a regular and ongoing basis or by a redevelopment agency should be subject to the investigation and safeguards provided by this article in the public interest. The Legislature further finds and declares that the purpose of this article is to ensure that the power to acquire and operate these facilities is exercised in the wisest manner consistent with its grant and in the public interest.