The utility-regulating commission's action comes after recent storms cost power to tens of thousands of St. Louis area residents.

The Public Service Commission's rules impose specific requirements on utilities to keep trees trimmed

PCS Chairman Jeff Davis says it is the first time Missouri has imposed any type of tree trimming regulation on utility providers.

The new rules require an electric company hire a full-time vegetation manager and that the company conduct regular inspections of its power lines.

The ruling also calls on the electrical companies to seek out landowners' permission to cut trees that are outside of the mandated 10 to 15 feet regulated circumference.

From the state Capitol, I'm Carly Robertson.

Carly Robertson was at the meeting and has more.

Under the new rules, electrical corporations will  be required to visibly inspect electrical lines to ensure vegetation near lines is being properly managed

The commission's chairman is Jeff Davis. He says new rules impose requirements on utilities even for vegetation beyond the power-line easements: