Empire District Electric Company Exploring Strategic Alternatives

It is the policy of The Empire District Electric Company ("Empire" or "the Company") EDE not to confirm or deny market rumors. However, in response to recent media reports concerning the Company and last Friday's stock trading activity, Empire confirms that it is in the early stages of exploring strategic alternatives, and has retained a financial advisor with regard to the exploration of such strategic alternatives. No decision regarding the strategic alternatives has been made by the Board of Directors. Due to the preliminary nature of this exploration, neither the Company nor any of its representatives will be providing additional comment at this time. No assurances can be given that Empire's Board of Directors See full press release