[Rule 424 (b) (3)]
[File No. 33-54539]
SUPPLEMENT TO PROSPECTUS DATED MARCH 15, 1995
THE EMPIRE DISTRICT ELECTRIC COMPANY
Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan
Common stock, $1 Par Value
In Question 3 on page 4 of the Prospectus to which the
Supplement relates (the "Prospectus") "ChaseMellon
Shareholder Services" should be substituted for "Chemical
Bank" and all references to the "Bank" throughout the
Prospectus means ChaseMellon Shareholder Services.
Add in Question 23 on page 10 of the Prospectus at the
end of the third paragraph the following sentence.
"Net capital gain recognized by an individual with
respect to capital assets held more than 18 months
generally will be subject to federal income tax at a
rate not to exceed 20%, but the maximum rate generally
will be 28% where the capital assets have been held
more than one year but not more than 18 months."
Question 30 on page 13 of the Prospectus is amended to
read in its entirety as follows:
"30. Where should communications regarding the
Plan
be directed?
All correspondence concerning the Plan should be
addressed to:
ChaseMellon Shareholder Services
P.O. Box 3338
South Hackensack, NJ 07606-1938
Be sure to mention The Empire District Electric Company
in all correspondence.
Telephone inquiries concerning the Plan should be
directed to ChaseMellon Shareholder Services at 1-888-
261-6784."
Dated August 19, 1998
