The state’s biggest power company gives the Public Service Commission some suggestions for ending widespread power outages when bad storms hit. The list might apply to other utilities, too, and might require state and local action. Ameren-Ue spokesman Susan Gallagher says the Public Service Commission told the company to do some blue-sky thinking…..to put everything on the table. The commission has demanded suggestions after two major storms last year left tens of thousands of customers without power for days at a time. So Ameren suggests burying its 27-thousand miles of above-ground lines….a customer generator installation program….more comprehensive pole and line inspections….greater foliage control. Gallagher says the company has never pushed tree trimming and removal as aggressively as it pushes them in this report. The company says more tree removal and trimming will cost 15-million dollars. But many of the ideas—practical or otherwise–are likely to require higher rates for customers, changes in laws and local ordinances affecting property rights…and more cooperation from customers. Ameren-UE also says it will soon begin a national search for a consultant to recommend ways to make the system more storm-proof… Gallagher says studies show severe weather is increasing in Missouri….and the final results of the discussions between the company and the PSC could be applied to power companies statewide.(The full list of ideas given to the PSC is available at www.ameren.com)