Section 17Sec./Art. 17

Equality Clause. -Except for taxes and customs duties, any advantage, favor, privilege, exemption, or immunity granted under existing franchises, or may hereinafter be granted shall, upon prior review and approval of Congress, become part of previously granted power distribution franchises and shall be accorded immediately and unconditionally to the grantees of such franchises: Provided, however, That the foregoing shall neither apply to nor affect provisions concerning territory covered, term, or the type of service authorized by the franchise: Provided, further, That the foregoing shall not apply to the sale, lease, transfer, grant of usufruct, or assignment of legislative franchise with prior congressional approval.