JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The state agency that regulates utilities in Missouri has adopted new ethics rules aimed at bolstering public trust.

The Public Service Commission began reviewing its rules following complaints that a commissioner spoke with executives of a utility about a proposed merger before the plan was announced.

The new rules restrict discussions between PSC members and people who expect to be involved in cases before the agency.

Commission Chairman Robert Clayton says the new ethics rules are needed to restore public trust in regulators.

The commission also separated the advisory and advocacy roles of its general counsel, and hired Steven Reed as chief ethics officer.