Except as provided in this chapter, no individual, association of persons, firm or corporation shall carry on the business of the manufacture or production of steam, gas or electricity for heat, light or power in this State for sale, unless such individual, association, firm or corporation holds an unexpired license issued by the Secretary of Finance authorizing the conduct of such business. Every such individual, association, firm or corporation engaged in such business, who desires to continue in such business, shall on or before the first Monday in May in each year, file with the Secretary of Finance a statement in writing, verified by the oath or affirmation of such individual, or 1 member of such firm or the treasurer or general manager of such association or corporation, showing the amount of the gross receipts from such business during the 12 months then next preceding. Upon the filing of the statement at the time prescribed, and upon the payment by the individual, firm, association or corporation to the Secretary of Finance for the use of the State of a sum equal to 1 mill on each dollar of the amount of the gross receipts from the business of the individual, firm, association or corporation as shown by the statement, the Secretary of Finance shall issue a license authorizing the conduct of the business by such individual, firm, association or corporation. Such license shall be valid for 1 year only from its date.
Every individual, firm, association or corporation not having been engaged in the business aforesaid, and desiring to obtain a license authorizing the conduct of such business, shall pay to the Secretary of Finance for the use of the State the sum of $50; and, thereupon, the Secretary of Finance shall issue a license authorizing such individual, firm, association or corporation to become engaged in the business until the first Monday in June, thence next ensuing.