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EXHIBIT 5
LEGAL OPINION
OPINION OF LESLIE J. PARRETTE, JR.
January 2, 2000
UtiliCorp United Inc.
20 West Ninth Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64105
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form S-8 to the
registration statement on From S-4 which UtiliCorp United Inc. (the
"Company") proposes to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"SEC") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, registering 60,000
common shares, par value $1.00 per share, of the Company (the "Shares") which
may be offered and sold by the Company under the St. Joseph Light and Power
Company director and employee benefit plans set forth on the cover page of
the Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 (the "Plan"). I am of the opinion that
all proper corporate proceedings have been taken so that any Shares to be
offered and sold in accordance with the Plan will be legally issued, fully
paid and nonassessable. I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with
the SEC in connection with the Post Effective Amendment No. 1.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Leslie J. Parrette, Jr.
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Leslie J. Parrette, Jr.
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
