SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): December 29, 2000
THE EMPIRE DISTRICT ELECTRIC COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
Kansas
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
1-3368 44-0236370
(Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification Number)
602 Joplin Street, Joplin, Missouri 64801
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (417) 625-5100
Not applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
<PAGE>
Item 5 Other Events
Attached hereto as Exhibit 99 is a press release issued
by the Company on December 28, 2000 concerning an order from the
Missouri Public Service Commission relating to Empire's proposed
merger with UtiliCorp United Inc.
<PAGE>
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
THE EMPIRE DISTRICT ELECTRIC COMPANY
By /s/ R. B. Fancher
Name: R. B. Fancher
Title: Vice President - Finance
Dated: December 29, 2000
<PAGE>
Exhibit Index
Exhibit
Number Description
99 Press Release dated December 28, 2000
concerning an order from the Missouri
Public Service Commission relating to
Empire's proposed merger with
UtiliCorp United Inc.