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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.          )

Filed by the Registrant ý
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
o	Preliminary Proxy Statement
o	Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
ý	Definitive Proxy Statement
o	Definitive Additional Materials
o	Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12

The Empire District Electric Company
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
ý	No fee required.
o	Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
	(1)	Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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o	Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
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	(2)	Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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	(4)	Date Filed:

THE EMPIRE DISTRICT ELECTRIC COMPANY

602 S. Joplin Avenue
Joplin, Missouri 64801

March 13, 2013

Dear Stockholder:

        You are cordially invited to attend our Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at 10:30 a.m., CDT, on Thursday, April 25, 2013, at the Holiday Inn, 3615 South Range Line, Joplin, Missouri.

        At the meeting, stockholders will be asked to:

•

Elect three persons to our Board of Directors for three-year terms,

•

Ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm,

•

Vote upon a non-binding advisory proposal to approve the compensation of our named executive officers, and

•

Vote upon a stockholder proposal, if properly presented, requesting the Company prepare a report on plans to reduce risk throughout its energy portfolio by pursuing cost effective energy efficiency resources.

        Your participation in this meeting, either in person or by proxy, is important. Even if you plan to attend the meeting, please promptly vote the enclosed proxy through the Internet, by telephone or by mail. Please note that brokers may not vote your shares on the election of directors in the absence of your specific instructions as to how to vote. Please return your proxy card so your vote can be counted.

        At the meeting, if you desire to vote in person, you may withdraw the proxy.

Sincerely,

Bradley P. Beecher
President and Chief Executive Officer

THE EMPIRE DISTRICT ELECTRIC COMPANY

602 S. Joplin Avenue
Joplin, Missouri 64801

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To the Holders of Common Stock:

        Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of The Empire District Electric Company will be held on Thursday, the 25th of April, 2013, at 10:30 a.m., CDT, at the Holiday Inn, 3615 South Range Line, Joplin, Missouri, for the following purposes:

1.

To elect three persons named in the accompanying proxy statement as Directors for terms of three years.



2.

To ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Empire's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013.



3.

To vote upon a non-binding advisory proposal to approve the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement.



4.

To vote upon a stockholder proposal, if properly presented, requesting the Company prepare a report on plans to reduce risk throughout its energy portfolio by pursuing cost effective energy efficiency resources.



5.

To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or at any adjournment or adjournments thereof.

        Any of the foregoing may be considered or acted upon at the first session of the meeting or at any adjournment or adjournments thereof.

        This year, we are once again pleased to be using the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission rule that allows companies to furnish their proxy materials over the Internet. As a result, we are mailing to many of our stockholders a notice instead of a paper copy of this proxy statement and our 2012 Annual Report. The notice contains instructions on how to access those documents over the Internet. The notice also contains instructions on how each of those stockholders can receive a paper copy of our proxy materials, including this proxy statement, our 2012 Annual Report and a form of proxy card or voting instruction card. All stockholders who do not receive a notice will receive a paper copy of the proxy materials by mail. We believe that this process will conserve natural resources and reduce the costs of printing and distributing our proxy materials.

        Holders of Common Stock of record on the books of Empire at the close of business on February 25, 2013 will be entitled to vote on all matters which may come before the meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof. A complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting will be open at our office located at 602 S. Joplin Avenue, Joplin, Missouri, to examination by any stockholder for any purpose germane to the meeting, for a period of ten days prior to the meeting, and also at the meeting.

Stockholders are requested, regardless of the number of shares of stock owned, to either vote the proxy through the Internet or by telephone or sign and date the proxy and mail it promptly in the envelope provided, to which no postage need be affixed if mailed in the United States. A stockholder who plans to attend the meeting in person may withdraw the proxy and vote at the meeting.

        Please note that brokers may not vote your shares on the election of directors in the absence of your specific instructions as to how to vote. Please return your proxy card so your vote can be counted.

Joplin, Missouri
Dated: March 13, 2013

Janet S. Watson
Secretary—Treasurer

PROXY STATEMENT

1.	GENERAL INFORMATION	1
2.	MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING	2
	Proposal 1—Election Of Directors	2
	Information about Nominees and Directors	3
	Director Independence	6
	Executive Sessions	6
	Board Leadership Structure	6
	Risk Oversight	7
	Committees of the Board of Directors	7
	Director Nomination Process	8
	Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee Report	9
	Attendance at Annual Meetings	10
	Proposal 2—Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	10
	Proposal 3—Non-Binding Advisory Vote on Compensation of Named Executive Officers	11
	Proposal 4—Stockholder Proposal	12
3.	SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT	15
	Stock Ownership of Directors and Officers	15
	Other Stock Ownership	16
4.	EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION	16
	Compensation Discussion and Analysis	16
	Compensation Committee Report	35
	Summary Compensation Table	36
	Grants of Plan-Based Awards	38
	Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End	41
	Option Exercises and Stock Vested	42
	Pension Benefits	42
	Potential Payments upon Termination and Change in Control	44
	Director Compensation	47
5.	TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS	49
	Transactions with Related Persons	49
	Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons	49
6.	OTHER MATTERS	49
	Audit Committee Report	49
	Fees Billed by our Independent Auditors during each of the Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011	50
	Communications with the Board Of Directors	51
	Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance	51
	Other Business	51
7.	STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2014 ANNUAL MEETING	51
8.	HOUSEHOLDING	51
9.	ELECTRONIC PROXY VOTING	52
10.	INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS	52
11.	DIRECTIONS TO THE ANNUAL MEETING	52
	Appendix A	A-1

THE EMPIRE DISTRICT ELECTRIC COMPANY
602 S. Joplin Avenue
Joplin, Missouri 64801

PROXY STATEMENT

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

April 25, 2013

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

        This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation on behalf of the Board of Directors of The Empire District Electric Company, hereinafter referred to as Empire (Empire), a Kansas corporation, of proxies to be voted at our Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on Thursday, April 25, 2013, and at any and all adjournments of the meeting.

        A form of proxy is available for execution by stockholders. The proxy reflects the number of shares registered in a stockholder's name. Any stockholder giving a proxy has the right to revoke it at any time before the proxy is exercised by written notice to the Secretary—Treasurer of Empire, by duly executing a proxy bearing a later date or by voting in person at the meeting.

        A copy of our Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2012 has been mailed or made available electronically to each stockholder of record for the meeting. You are urged to read the entire Annual Report.

        The entire cost of the solicitation of proxies will be borne by us. Solicitation, commencing on or about March 13, 2013, will be made by use of the mails, telephone, Internet and fax and by our regular employees without additional compensation. We will request brokers or other persons holding stock in their names, or in the names of their nominees, to forward proxy material to the beneficial owners of stock or request authority for the execution of the proxies and will reimburse those brokers or other persons for their expense in so doing.

        February 25, 2013 has been fixed as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting and at any adjournment or adjournments thereof. The stock transfer books will not be closed. As of the record date, there were 42,411,176 shares of common stock outstanding. Holders of common stock will be entitled to one vote per share on all matters presented to the meeting.

        The holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of transacting business at the Annual Meeting. Each outstanding share shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at the Annual Meeting. Directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes of the stockholders present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting. For the ratification of the appointment of Empire's independent registered public accounting firm, the vote of a majority of the shares voted on such matter, assuming a quorum is present, shall be the act of the stockholders on such matter.

        With respect to the non-binding advisory proposal to approve the compensation of our named executive officers, the votes that stockholders cast "for" must exceed the votes that stockholders cast "against" to approve this advisory vote. However, because your votes are advisory on this proposal, they will not be binding.

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        To be approved, the stockholder proposal requesting the Company prepare a report on plans to reduce risk throughout its energy portfolio by pursuing cost effective energy efficiency resources must receive a "for" vote from a majority of the shares voted on such matter, assuming a quorum is present.

        A stockholder voting for the election of directors may withhold authority to vote for all or certain director nominees. A stockholder may also abstain from voting on any of the other proposals. Votes withheld from the election of any nominee for director, abstentions from any other proposal and broker non-votes will be treated as shares that are present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum, but will not be counted in the number of votes cast on a matter. With respect to shares allocated to a participant's account under our 401(k) Plan and ESOP, such participant may direct the trustee of the plan, as indicated on the proxy card, on how to vote the shares allocated to such participant's account. If no direction is given with respect to the shares allocated to a participant's account under the plan, the trustee will vote such shares in the same proportion as the shares for which directions were received from other participants in the plan.

        A "broker non-vote" occurs if a broker or other nominee who is entitled to vote shares on behalf of a record owner has not received instructions with respect to a particular item to be voted on, and the broker or nominee does not otherwise have discretionary authority to vote on that matter. Under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"), brokers may vote a client's proxy in their own discretion on certain items even without instructions from the beneficial owner, but may not vote a client's proxy without voting instructions on "non-discretionary" items. The ratification of Empire's independent registered public accounting firm is considered a "discretionary" item. However, the election of directors is a "non-discretionary" item and brokers may not vote your shares on the election of directors in the absence of your specific instructions as to how to vote. The non-binding advisory proposal with respect to executive compensation and the stockholder proposal are also "non-discretionary" items. Please return your proxy card so your vote can be counted.

2. MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING

A. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
(Item 1 on Proxy Card)

        The Board of Directors is divided into three classes with the Directors in each class serving for a term of three years. The term of office of one class of Directors expires each year in rotation so that one class is elected at each Annual Meeting for a full three-year term. Directors are required to retire when they reach the retirement age of 73. Empire's Articles of Incorporation permit the Board of Directors to vary in size from 9 to 11 members. The Board of Directors determines the appropriate size of the Board within this range, which may vary to accommodate the needs of Empire and its stockholders and the availability of suitable candidates. In 2011, the Board approved an increase in the size of the Board from 10 to 11 members.

        During 2012, the Board of Directors held four regular meetings and two special meetings. At these meetings, the Board considered a wide variety of matters involving, among other things:

• Strategic planning
• New generation projects
• The Company's financial condition and results of operations
• Financings
• Capital and operating budgets
• Regulatory proceedings • Personnel matters
• Succession planning
• Risk management
• Industry issues
• Accounting practices and disclosure
• Corporate governance practices

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        All of the members of the Board of Directors attended more than 75% of the aggregate of the Board meetings and meetings held by all committees of the Board on which the Director served during the periods that the Director served.

        Unless otherwise specified, the persons named in the accompanying proxy intend to vote the shares represented by proxies for the election of Mr. Ross C. Hartley, Mr. Herbert J. Schmidt and Mr. C. James Sullivan, all who are current members of the Board of Directors, as Class II Directors. While it is not expected that any of the nominees will be unable to qualify for or accept office, if for any reason one or more shall be unable to do so, proxies will be voted for nominees selected by the Board of Directors.

Information about Nominees and Directors

        The Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee selects as candidates those nominees it believes would best represent the interests of the stockholders. This assessment includes such issues as experience, integrity, competence, diversity, skills and dedication in the context of the needs of the Board. The Committee does not have a formal diversity policy; however, the Committee endeavors to select candidates with a broad mix of professional and personal backgrounds in order to best meet the needs of the Board, Empire and our stockholders. The Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee begins the director search process by identifying specific experience, qualifications, attributes or skills they believe to be the most beneficial in enabling the Board of Directors to satisfy its responsibilities effectively in light of our business and structure. These have included financial expertise, capital markets experience, environmental and regulatory experience, utility leadership experience and service-area business experience. A third-party search firm is sometimes paid a fee to assist in the process of identifying and evaluating candidates that have the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills to match the search criteria. The Director nominees must also have a reputation for integrity, honesty and adherence to high ethical standards and have demonstrated superior business acumen and an ability to exercise sound judgment.

        The name, age, principal occupation for the last five years, period of service as a Director of Empire, other directorships of each Director and the qualifications of each Director are set forth below. In addition, included in the information below, is a discussion of the specific experience, qualifications, attributes or skills that led to the conclusion that the person should serve as a Director of Empire in light of our business and structure. See "—Director Nomination Process" below for more information on the selection of director nominees.

Nominees for Director

CLASS II DIRECTORS
Nominated Term Expiring at the 2016 Annual Meeting

Ross C. Hartley, age 65, joined our Board of Directors in 1988. Mr. Hartley is a private investor. He is also the Co-Founder and has been a Director of NIC Inc., an investor-owned company that is a leader in providing e-government solutions for federal, state and local governments since 1991. Mr. Hartley was a long-time leader in the independent insurance business in our tri-state area and has varied experience on both public and private boards including significant experience serving on Finance and Audit Committees. Mr. Hartley is a successful entrepreneur and is valued by the Board of Directors for his business acumen and experience gained from 25 years of service as a Director.

Herbert J. Schmidt, age 57, joined our Board of Directors in 2010. Mr. Schmidt served as the Executive Vice President of Con-way Inc. and President of Con-way Truckload (trucking services) from 2007 to 2012. Prior to the merger of Contract Freighters, Inc. ("CFI") with Conway Inc. in 2007, Mr. Schmidt held positions at CFI of President and Chief Executive Officer from 2005 to 2007 and President from 2000 to 2005. Prior to his becoming President and CEO in 2005, he was employed in a

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series of progressively more responsible positions at CFI where he gained extensive knowledge in risk management, safety, insurance, benefits, security, and compliance. Mr. Schmidt, a long-time, service-area resident and businessman, has demonstrated exceptional management ability, community involvement and leadership, and his knowledge of Empire's service area, customers and stockholders brings valuable insight to the Board of Directors.

C. James Sullivan, age 66, joined our Board of Directors in 2010. Mr. Sullivan has served as Principal of Sullivan Group LLC (utility and energy consulting) since 2008. He served as President of the Alabama Public Service Commission (the public utility regulator in Alabama) from 1983 to 2008 and has been active in the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners ("NARUC") serving in various capacities including President from 1998-1999. He served as a member of the University of Chicago Board of Governors which administers the Argonne National Laboratory for the Department of Energy. He is also a member of the Alabama State Bar. Mr. Sullivan's diverse experience and vast knowledge of utility issues brings to the Board of Directors critical insight into utility regulation, the regulatory process and the challenges facing the utility industry.

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote FOR each nominee.

Members of the Board of Directors Continuing in Office

CLASS I DIRECTORS
Term Expiring at the 2015 Annual Meeting

D. Randy Laney, age 58, joined our Board of Directors in 2003 and has served as the Non-Executive Vice Chairman of the Board from 2008 to 2009 and Non-Executive Chairman of the Board since April 23, 2009. He retired as Vice-Chairman of Investlinc Group (private investment and wealth services) in 2008, a position he had held since 2003. Mr. Laney spent 23 years with Wal-Mart Stores in positions of Corporate Counsel/Corporate Secretary, Director of Finance, Vice President of Finance, Benefits and Risk Management and Vice President of Finance and Treasurer. In addition, Mr. Laney has provided strategic advisory services to both private and public companies and served on numerous profit and non-profit boards. Mr. Laney brings significant management and capital markets experience, and strategic and operational understanding to his position as Chairman of the Board.

Bonnie C. Lind, age 54, joined our Board of Directors in 2009. Ms. Lind has served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, of Neenah Paper Inc. (global manufacturer of premium performance based papers) since 2004. Prior to the spin-off of Neenah Paper from Kimberly-Clark Corporation in 2004, she held various financial and strategic management positions at Kimberly-Clark from 1982 to 2003, most recently as the Assistant Treasurer from 1999 to 2003. Ms. Lind has significant financial, capital markets and banking experience in a cyclical industry which consumes large quantities of energy and is affected by energy prices. Her financial, capital markets and banking experience in a small-cap, NYSE listed company brings to the Board and the Audit Committee a wealth of knowledge in dealing with financial and accounting matters in a comparable public company. Ms. Lind has been designated an Audit Committee Financial Expert.

B. Thomas Mueller, age 65, joined our Board of Directors in 2003. Mr. Mueller is the Founder and has served as the President since 1987 of SALOV North America Corporation, a U.S. subsidiary of an Italian multi-national group that imports and markets Filippo Berio olive oil throughout the U.S. As a Certified Public Accountant and an attorney, Mr. Mueller was formerly an international tax partner with KPMG Peat Marwick. His leadership skills and accounting and finance experience, as well as his experience with complex global financial issues, make him a skilled advisor with the knowledge necessary to lead our Audit Committee. Mr. Mueller has been designated an Audit Committee Financial Expert.

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Paul R. Portney, age 67, joined our Board of Directors in 2009. Dr. Portney served as Dean of the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona from 2005 to 2011, where he continues as a professor, teaching such courses as "Energy, Environment and Business Strategy." Dr. Portney has been at the center of public environmental policy for three decades. At Resources for the Future, where he worked from 1972-2005 and was President and Chief Executive Officer from 1995 to 2005, he conducted research on environmental protection and regulation, natural resources policy, federal energy policy, air pollution, health and safety regulation, and provision of public goods. Dr. Portney is author and co-author of ten books, including Public Policies for Environmental Protection. The Board of Directors values his deep knowledge of environmental policy and the environmental challenges and regulation facing our industry.

CLASS III DIRECTORS
Term Expiring at the 2014 Annual Meeting

Kenneth R. Allen, age 55, joined our Board of Directors in 2005. Mr. Allen has served as Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Texas Industries, Inc. (cement, aggregate and concrete products firm) since 2008 and was the Vice President, Treasurer and Director of Investor Relations from 1996 to 2008. Mr. Allen also worked as an economist and an analyst for an electric industry consultant early in his career which gives him additional insight into some of the challenges facing the industry. Mr. Allen has significant financial, capital markets, and investor relations experience with a small-cap, NYSE listed company in a highly capital and energy intensive industry. He also has considerable experience developing incentive compensation plans which serves him well as a member of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Allen has been designated an Audit Committee Financial Expert.

Bradley P. Beecher, age 47, joined our Board of Directors in 2011. Mr. Beecher, a professional engineer, has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Empire since June 1, 2011. Mr. Beecher has also held the offices of Executive Vice President of Empire, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer—Electric, Vice President—Energy Supply, Director of Strategic Planning as well as other operational and management positions during his career. His engineering background combined with 24 years of broad-based electric industry experience and proven leadership skills position him well to serve as a Director and leader of the Company.

William L. Gipson, age 56, joined our Board of Directors in 2002 and served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Empire from 2002 to 2011. Mr. Gipson held various operational and management positions during his thirty year career with Empire. His deep knowledge of all aspects of our business, combined with his exceptional business acumen and drive for innovation and excellence are invaluable to the Board of Directors.

Thomas M. Ohlmacher, age 61, joined our Board of Directors in 2011. Mr. Ohlmacher served as President and Chief Operating Officer, Non-regulated Energy from Black Hills Corporation from 2002 to 2011. He began his utility career with Black Hills Corporation (diversified energy company) in 1974 as a Performance Engineer and held various operational, strategic planning, and managerial positions. Mr. Ohlmacher's experience includes the construction and operation of conventional coal and natural gas fired generation and the integration of renewable wind, solar and hydro generation. He brings to the Board of Directors a wealth of industry and technical knowledge, as well as considerable insight into the leadership and business strategy of a public utility company.

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Director Independence

        The Board of Directors has adopted the following standards to assist it in making determinations of independence in accordance with the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") Listed Company Manual:

1.

A Director shall not fail to meet any of the independence tests set forth in Section 303A.02(b) of the NYSE Listed Company Manual or any successor provisions thereto.



2.

The Board of Directors shall affirmatively determine that, after taking into account all relevant facts and circumstances, the Director has no material relationships with Empire (either directly or as a partner, stockholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with Empire). For purposes of this determination, the following relationships are not material (unless otherwise prohibited by clause 1 above):



a.

If a Director (or any family member of a Director) is a current or former customer, or a current or former employee or Director of a customer (or an affiliate of a customer), of Empire.



b.

If a Director is a former employee of an organization which provides investment banking services to Empire or which publishes research opinions with respect to any securities of Empire.



c.

If a family member of a Director is an employee of, or otherwise affiliated with, a charitable organization to which Empire contributes less than $25,000 in any fiscal year.



d.

If a Director (or any family member of a Director) receives benefits payments under Empire's Retirement Plan or Empire's Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.



e.

If a Director is an executive officer of an organization which is affiliated with an organization where an executive officer of Empire serves on the board.

        The Board of Directors has determined that each of the following meet the independence standards adopted above: Kenneth R. Allen, Ross C. Hartley, D. Randy Laney, Bonnie C. Lind, B. Thomas Mueller, Thomas M. Ohlmacher, Paul R. Portney, Herbert J. Schmidt, and C. James Sullivan. The Board of Directors has determined that Bradley P. Beecher and William L. Gipson do not meet the independence standards adopted above.

Executive Sessions

        The terms of our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that Directors will meet in two separate executive sessions chaired by the Chairman of the Board, as follows: (1) all of the Directors will meet in executive session and (2) all of the independent Directors will meet in executive session. Such is the practice at each Board meeting. With the exception of Mr. Beecher and Mr. Gipson, all of the Directors of Empire are independent Directors.

Board Leadership Structure

        The positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer have been held by separate individuals since 2002 in recognition of the differences between the two roles. The Chairman of the Board provides leadership to the Board and works with the Board to define its structure and activities in the fulfillment of its responsibilities. The Chairman works with the Chief Executive Officer and other Board members to provide strong, independent oversight of our management and affairs. The Chairman approves Board meeting agendas and presides over meetings of the full Board.

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Risk Oversight

        Our Board of Directors is responsible for the oversight of management's responsibility to assess and manage our major financial and other risk exposures, including operational, legal, regulatory, business, financial, commodity, strategic, environmental, credit, liquidity, and reputation risks. The Board reviews with management the categories of risk we face, including any risk concentrations and risk interrelationships, as well as the likelihood of occurrence, the potential impact of those risks and mitigating measures. In addition, the Board reviews management's implementation of its risk practices, policies and procedures to assess whether they are being followed and are effective. As part of this oversight role, the Board participates in a bi-annual enterprise risk management assessment.

        While the Board of Directors has the ultimate oversight responsibility for risk management activities, various committees of the Board also have responsibility for the oversight of risk management. In particular, the Audit Committee focuses on financial risk, including counterparty credit risk, internal controls, and receives risk assessment reports from our internal auditors. In addition, in setting compensation, the Compensation Committee strives to create incentives that encourage a level of risk-taking behavior consistent with our business strategy. The Strategic Projects Committee works with management to oversee utility capital projects and operational issues of strategic importance.

        The Risk Oversight Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibility to oversee our risk management activities. The members of the Risk Oversight Committee consist of the Chairman of the Board as well as the Chairperson of each of the Audit, Compensation, Nominating/Corporate Governance and Strategic Projects Committees.

Committees of the Board of Directors

Audit Committee

        We have an Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. The Board has adopted and approved a written charter for the Audit Committee. The charter is available on our website at www.empiredistrict.com. The Audit Committee meets the definition of an audit committee as set forth in Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act").

        In accordance with its written charter, the Audit Committee assists the Board in its oversight of:

•

The integrity of our financial statements,

•

Our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements,

•

The Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms' qualification and independence, and

•

The performance of our internal audit function and independent auditors.

        In addition, the Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention, termination and oversight of the work of our independent auditors. The Audit Committee held nine meetings during 2012. The members of the Audit Committee are Ms. Lind and Messrs. Allen, Hartley and Mueller, each of whom is independent (as independence is defined in the NYSE Listing Standards and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") applicable to audit committee members) and is financially literate (as determined by the Board in its business judgment in accordance with NYSE Listing Standards). The Board has also determined that Ms. Lind and Messrs. Allen and Mueller are "audit committee financial experts" (as defined in the instructions to Item 407(d)(5)(i) of Regulation S-K). None of the members of the Audit Committee serve on the Audit Committee of another public company. The report of the Audit Committee can be found below under the heading "Other Matters—Audit Committee Report."

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Compensation Committee and Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

        We have a Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee assists the Board in establishing and overseeing Director and executive officer compensation policies and practices of Empire on behalf of the Board. The Compensation Committee determines the compensation of each of our executive officers as more fully described under "Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis." Also, as more fully described under "Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis," our Chief Executive Officer makes recommendations to the Compensation Committee with respect to certain aspects of executive compensation. The charter for the Compensation Committee is available on our website at www.empiredistrict.com. The Compensation Committee held five meetings during 2012. The members of our Compensation Committee are Messrs. Allen, Laney, Ohlmacher, Portney and Schmidt. The Board has determined that each member of the Compensation Committee is "independent" as defined by the NYSE Listing Standards. The report of the Compensation Committee can be found below under the heading "Executive Compensation—Compensation Committee Report."

        None of the members of our Compensation Committee has ever been an officer or employee of Empire or any of its subsidiaries. None of the members of our Compensation Committee had any relationship requiring disclosure under "Transactions with Related Persons" below. None of our current executive officers has ever served as a Director or member of the Compensation Committee (or other Board committee performing equivalent functions) of another for-profit corporation.

Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee

        We have a Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors. The Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee is primarily responsible for:

•

Identifying individuals qualified to become Board members, consistent with criteria approved by the Board, and recommending that the Board select (or re-nominate) the Director nominees for the next annual meeting of stockholders,

•

Developing and recommending to the Board a set of corporate governance guidelines applicable to Empire,

•

Developing, approving and administering policies and procedures with respect to related person transactions,

•

Overseeing the evaluation of the Board and its committees,

•

Annually reviewing and recommending Board committee membership, and

•

Working with the Board to evaluate and/or nominate potential successors to the CEO.

        The charter for the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee is available on our website at www.empiredistrict.com. The Committee held three meetings in 2012. The members of the Committee are Ms. Lind and Messrs. Allen, Hartley, Laney, and Sullivan. The Board has determined that each member of the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee is "independent" as defined by the NYSE Listing Standards. The report of the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee can be found below under the heading "—Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee Report."

Director Nomination Process

        The Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee selects as candidates those nominees it believes would best represent the interests of the stockholders. This assessment includes such issues as experience, integrity, competence, diversity, skills and dedication in the context of the needs of the Board. The Committee does not have a formal diversity policy; however, the Committee endeavors to

8

select candidates with a broad mix of professional and personal backgrounds in order to best meet the needs of the Board, Empire and our stockholders. In addition, the Committee takes into account the nature of and time involved in the Director's other employment and service on other boards. The Committee reviews with the Board, as required, the requisite skills and characteristics of individual Board members, as well as the composition of the Board as a whole, in the context of the needs of Empire. The Director nominees must also have a reputation for integrity, honesty and adherence to high ethical standards and have demonstrated superior business acumen and an ability to exercise sound judgment. When seeking new candidates, the Committee has sometimes paid a fee to a third party to assist in the process of identifying and evaluating candidates.

        The Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by stockholders for election to the Board of Directors. In order to be considered, proposals for nominees for director by stockholders must be submitted in writing to Corporate Secretary: The Empire District Electric Company, 602 S. Joplin Avenue, Joplin, Missouri 64801.

        In order to nominate a director at the Annual Meeting, Empire's By-Laws require that a stockholder follow the procedures set forth in Article VI, Section 5 of Empire's Restated Articles of Incorporation. In order to recommend a nominee for a director position, a stockholder must be a stockholder of record at the time it gives notice of recommendation and must be entitled to vote for the election of directors at the meeting at which such nominee will be considered. Stockholder recommendations must be made pursuant to written notice delivered (i) in the case of a nomination for election at an annual meeting, not less than 35 days nor more than 50 days prior to the annual meeting; and (ii) in the event that less than 45 days notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made to stockholders, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be received not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or the public disclosure was made.

        The stockholder notice must set forth the following:

•

As to each person the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or re-election as a director, all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for the election of directors, or is otherwise required by applicable law (including the person's written consent to being named as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected), and

•

As to the nominating stockholder on whose behalf the nomination is made, (a) the name and address, as they appear on Empire's books, (b) a representation that the stockholder is a holder of record of the common stock entitled to vote at the meeting on the date of the notice and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the person or persons specified in the notice, and (c) a description of all arrangements or understandings between the stockholder and each nominee and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the nomination or nominations are to be made by the stockholder.

        In addition to complying with the foregoing procedures, any stockholder nominating a director must also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. We did not receive any recommendations for director nominees for the current Annual Meeting of Stockholders by any of our stockholders.

Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee Report

        The Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee recommended that the Board of Directors nominate Mr. Ross C. Hartley, Mr. Herbert J. Schmidt and Mr. C. James Sullivan as Class II Directors. Mr. Hartley, Mr. Schmidt and Mr. Sullivan have been nominated by the Board as Class II Directors subject to stockholder approval, for three-year terms ending at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders in 2016.

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        Empire's Board of Directors operates pursuant to a set of written Corporate Governance Guidelines that set forth Empire's corporate governance philosophy and the governance policies and practices that the Board has established to assist in governing Empire and its affiliates. The Guidelines describe the Board membership criteria and the internal policies and practices by which Empire is operated and controlled on behalf of its stockholders.

        In 2012, the Board and its committees continued to examine their processes and strengthen them as appropriate, and the Board's evaluation of Empire's corporate governance processes is ongoing. This assures that the Board and its committees have the necessary authority and practices in place to review and evaluate Empire's business operations as needed, and to make decisions that are independent of Empire's management. As examples, the Board and its committees undertake an annual self-evaluation process, meet regularly without members of management present, have full access to officers and employees of Empire, and retain their own advisors as they deem appropriate.

        The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which is applicable to all of our Directors, officers and employees, and the Corporate Governance Guidelines comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange. We also have a separate code of ethics that applies to our chief executive officer and our senior financial officers, including our chief financial officer and our chief accounting officer. All of our corporate governance materials, including our codes of conduct and ethics, our Corporate Governance Guidelines, and our Policy and Procedures with Respect to Related Person Transactions are available for public viewing on our website at www.empiredistrict.com under the heading Investors, Corporate Governance. Copies of our corporate governance materials are also available without charge to interested parties who request them in writing from: Corporate Secretary, The Empire District Electric Company, 602 S. Joplin Avenue, Joplin, Missouri 64801.

Ross C. Hartley, Chairman
Kenneth R. Allen
D. Randy Laney
Bonnie C. Lind
C. James Sullivan

Attendance at Annual Meetings

        Empire's Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that Directors are expected to attend the annual meeting of stockholders. All members of Empire's Board of Directors attended the Annual Meeting of Stockholders in 2012.

B. RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
(Item 2 on Proxy Card)

        Empire is asking the stockholders to ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP ("PwC") as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013. PwC was appointed by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors on February 6, 2013, and has acted in this capacity since 1992.

        Although ratification by the stockholders is not required by law, the Board of Directors has determined that it is desirable to request approval of this selection by the stockholders. In the event the stockholders fail to ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee will consider this factor when making any future determination regarding PwC. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may direct the appointment of a different independent accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of Empire and its stockholders.

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        Passage of the proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast.

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote FOR the ratification of the appointment of PwC as the independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year ending December 31, 2013.

C. NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTE OF THE STOCKHOLDERS
ON THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
(Item 3 on Proxy Card)

        The Company is providing its stockholders with the opportunity to cast an advisory vote on executive compensation (a "say-on-pay advisory proposal") as described below. The Company believes that it is appropriate to seek the views of stockholders on the design and effectiveness of the Company's executive compensation program.

        At our annual meetings of stockholders held in April 2012 and April 2011, a substantial majority of the votes cast on the say-on-pay advisory proposal were voted in favor of the proposal. The Compensation Committee believes this affirms the stockholders' support of our approach to executive compensation.

        As described in detail under the heading "Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis," our executive compensation program is designed to provide a competitive compensation package that will enable us to attract and retain highly talented individuals for key positions and promote the accomplishment of our performance objectives. The overarching objective is to provide a conservative, yet secure, base salary, with the opportunity to earn a significantly higher total level of compensation under programs that link executive compensation to Company and individual performance factors.

        We are asking our stockholders to indicate their support for our named executive officer compensation as described in this proxy statement. This say-on-pay advisory proposal gives our stockholders the opportunity to express their views on our named executive officers' compensation. This vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of our named executive officers and the philosophy, policies and practices described in this proxy statement pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, the compensation disclosure rule of the SEC. Accordingly, we will ask our stockholders to vote "FOR" the following resolution at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders:

        "RESOLVED, that the Company's stockholders approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation of the named executive officers, as disclosed in the Company's Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables and narrative discussion."

        The say-on-pay vote is advisory, and therefore not binding on the Company, the Compensation Committee or our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors and our Compensation Committee value the opinions of our stockholders, including those expressed by their vote on this proposal, and will consider the outcome of this vote when making future decisions with respect to our executive compensation program.

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote "FOR" the approval of the compensation of our named executive officers, as disclosed in this proxy statement pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K.

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D. STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL—EXPANDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY
(Item 4 on Proxy Card)

        Empire has been notified that a stockholder or his representative intends to present the following proposal for consideration at the 2013 Annual Meeting. The stockholder making this proposal has presented the proposal and supporting statement below, and we are presenting the proposal as it was submitted to us. The name, address and share ownership of the stockholder will be furnished upon oral or written request.

The Board of Directors recommends that stockholders vote AGAINST this proposal for the reasons noted in Empire's opposition statement following the stockholder's proposal.

Stockholder Proposal:

EXPANDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY

WHEREAS:

        Navigant Consulting recently observed that, "the changes underway in the 21st century electric power sector create a level and complexity of risks that is perhaps unprecedented in the industry's history."

        In 2008 the Brattle Group projected that the U.S. electric utility industry would need to invest capital at historic levels between 2010 and 2030 to replace aging infrastructure, deploy new technologies, and meet future consumer needs and government policy requirements. In all, Brattle predicted that total industry-wide capital expenditures from 2010 to 2030 would amount to between $1.5 trillion and $2.0 trillion.

        In May 2011 a National Academy of Sciences report warned that the risk of dangerous climate change impacts is growing with every ton of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. The report also emphasized that, "the sooner that serious efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions proceed, the lower the risks posed by climate change, and the less pressure there will be to make larger, more rapid, and potentially more expensive reductions later."

        The Tennessee Valley Authority's ("TVA") 2011 integrated resource plan, which employed a sophisticated approach to risk management determined that the lowest-cost, lowest-risk strategies were the ones that diversified TVA's resource portfolio by increasing investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

        In October 2012 the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy released a report ranking Missouri 43^rd among all states in terms of energy efficiency performance.

        A 2009 study by McKinsey & Company found that investments in energy efficiency could realistically cut U.S. energy consumption by 23% by 2020. These efficiency gains could save consumers nearly $700 billion.

        In 2009 the Missouri General Assembly passed the Missouri Energy Efficiency Investment Act ("MEEIA"). In 2010 the Missouri Public Service Commission ("PSC") interpreted MEEIA and issued final rules that remove financial disincentives for regulated utilities to invest in energy efficiency. The rules allow utilities to recover costs of efficiency investments and resulting lost margins.

        In 2012 both Ameren Missouri and Kansas City Power and Light Greater Missouri Operations received approval from the PSC for efficiency programs within the MEEIA framework, investing respectively $145 million and $40 million in efficiency demand side mechanisms over the next three years.

        In 2012 Ceres issued a report identifying efficiency as the least cost and least risk energy resource.

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        The Empire District Electric Company has not disclosed in SEC Filings or other public communications a significant accounting of investments in demand side energy efficiency.

RESOLVED:

        Stockholders request a report [reviewed by a board committee of independent directors] on actions the company is taking or could take to reduce risk throughout its energy portfolio by pursuing all cost effective energy efficiency resources. The report should be provided by September 1, 2013 at a reasonable cost and omit proprietary information.

Opposing Statement

The Board of Directors recommends that stockholders vote AGAINST this proposal.

        The Board has considered the proposal that Empire issue a report on actions it is taking or could take to reduce risk throughout its energy portfolio by pursuing all cost effective energy efficiency resources, and believes that the preparation of such a report would not provide additional benefit to Empire or its stockholders. As further discussed below, the Board believes that Empire's publicly available documents (including filings with the SEC, the Missouri Public Service Commission ("MPSC") and other state utility commissions), information available on Empire's website and Empire's upcoming filings with the MPSC and other state utility commissions currently provides (or will provide) stockholders with extensive information that effectively addresses the proponent's proposal.

        In particular, Empire's Integrated Resource Plan, filed with the MPSC in September 2010 (the "2010 IRP"), its website and its SEC reports already provide information on Empire's existing programs designed to reduce usage through energy efficiency and demand response. Current programs applicable to our Missouri electric customers (which customers account for approximately 89% of our electric revenues), include:

•

Low Income Weatherization and High Efficiency Program,

•

Low Income New Home Program,

•

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Program,

•

Residential High Efficiency Central Air Conditioning Program,

•

ENERGY STAR® New Homes Program,

•

Commercial & Industrial Rebate Program,

•

Building Operator Certification Program,

•

Interruptible Service Program, and

•

Apogee HomeEnergy Suite and the Commercial Energy Suite energy calculators and educational libraries.

        Similar programs are available to many of our other electric and gas customers.

        In connection with the 2010 IRP and subsequent stipulations and agreements entered into in April 2011 and June 2012 among Empire, the staff of the MPSC, the Office of the Public Counsel, Missouri Department of Natural Resources and other interested parties (the "Energy Efficiency Agreements"), which agreements were approved by the MPSC, Empire agreed to make a filing pursuant to the Missouri Energy Efficiency Investment Act ("MEEIA") and to abide by certain provisions relating to

13

Empire's existing and potential portfolio of demand-side management ("DSM") programs. The parties to the Energy Efficiency Agreements agreed, among other matters, that Empire would:

•

Make a filing with the MPSC requesting approval of identified DSM programs and a demand-side programs investment mechanism pursuant to the MPSC's MEEIA rules (the "MEEIA Filing") within approximately 120 days of Empire's next Integrated Resource Plan filing, which is currently expected to be filed with the MPSC in mid-2013 (the "2013 IRP"). It is anticipated that this MEEIA Filing will include information regarding Empire's new and potentially expanded energy efficiency portfolio and energy efficiency investments.

•

Continue its existing DSM portfolio until such time as the MEEIA Filing is approved, rejected or modified by the MPSC.

•

Work with a stakeholder advisory group on both new DSM programs and Empire's existing DSM portfolio.

•

Complete a DSM market potential study as part of the 2013 IRP (the "DSM Study"), which will assess the various categories of electrical energy efficiency and demand response potential in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors for Empire's Missouri service area.

•

Implement and/or consider implementing new DSM programs pending the 2013 IRP analysis and the MEEIA Filing.

        The parties to the Energy Efficiency Agreements agreed that setting the timing of the MEEIA Filing as noted above will afford Empire the opportunity to complete its DSM Study and use the results of the DSM Study to provide for a comprehensive 2013 IRP filing and then a comprehensive MEEIA Filing. In connection with the preparation of its 2013 IRP filing, Empire has conducted and is continuing to conduct an integrated resource plan survey of its customers in order to understand what issues are most important to its customers. The 2013 IRP filing will include (1) information on Empire's current plans for meeting consumer needs while also balancing reliability, uncertainty, affordable cost, state and federal energy policies (e.g., energy efficiency and renewable standards) and environmental pressures, (2) a robust evaluation of Empire's various types of generation and identifiable risks, including natural gas and coal prices, environmental regulations, and construction costs, to most efficiently and cost effectively meet our customers' demand and energy requirements and (3) information on Empire's proposed DSM programs. The 2013 IRP and the MEEIA Filing will both be publicly available once they are filed. In addition, a summary of the 2013 IRP will be posted on Empire's website and all new DSM programs will be listed on Empire's website once adopted.

        The Board believes that the analysis being conducted in preparation for the 2013 IRP filing and the MEEIA Filing, in conjunction with our normal planning process, provides us with a thorough and balanced approach to developing our energy portfolio and evaluating a variety of resources and programs, including DSM programs. While Empire and the Board are committed to maintaining and expanding Empire's DSM programs to the extent that it best matches the needs of its customers, the Board believes that preparing a static report, in addition to Empire's SEC reports, the DSM Study, the 2013 IRP Filing and the MEEIA Filing, would not provide additional benefit to Empire or its stockholders.

The Board of Directors recommends that stockholders vote AGAINST this proposal.

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3. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

Stock Ownership of Directors and Officers

        The following table shows information with respect to the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned as of February 25, 2013 by each of our executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table, each Director, each Director nominee and our Directors and executive officers as a group.

Name	Position	Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned(1)
D. Randy Laney	Director, Chairman of the Board		17,912
Kenneth R. Allen	Director		12,488
William L. Gipson(2)	Director		77,549
Ross C. Hartley(3)	Director		45,872
Bonnie C. Lind	Director		500
B. Thomas Mueller	Director		10,073
Thomas M. Ohlmacher	Director		3,178
Paul R. Portney	Director		5,366
Herbert J. Schmidt	Director		2,500
C. James Sullivan	Director		7,845
Bradley P. Beecher(2)	President and Chief Executive Officer and Director		35,604
Laurie A. Delano	Vice President—Finance and Chief Financial Officer		6,214
Ronald F. Gatz(2)	Vice President and Chief Operating Officer—Gas		40,982
Michael E. Palmer(2)	Vice President—Transmission Policy and Corporate Services		31,082
Kelly S. Walters(2)	Vice President and Chief Operating Officer—Electric		13,929
Directors and named executive officers, as a group			311,094

(1)

No Director or executive officer owns more than 0.5% of the outstanding shares of our common stock and all Directors and executive officers as a group own less than 1% of the outstanding shares of our common stock.

(2)

Includes 48,200, 15,500, 21,800, 13,500 and 5,600 shares, respectively, issuable upon the exercise of currently exercisable stock options for Mr. Gipson, Mr. Beecher, Mr. Gatz, Mr. Palmer, and Ms. Walters.

(3)

Includes 2,314 shares for which Mr. Hartley holds a power of attorney for a non-resident relative.

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Other Stock Ownership

        The following table reflects the holdings of those known to us to own beneficially more than 5% of our common stock as of February 25, 2013.

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner	Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership			Percent of Class
BlackRock, Inc.		2,355,039	(1)		5.55	%
40 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10022
The Vanguard Group		2,398,780	(2)		5.65	%
100 Vanguard Boulevard
Malvern, PA 19355

(1)

Based on a Schedule 13G/A dated February 8, 2013, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by BlackRock, Inc. BlackRock, Inc. has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to 2,355,039 shares.

(2)

Based on a Schedule 13G dated February 12, 2013, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by The Vanguard Group. The Vanguard Group has sole voting power with respect to 77,774 shares, sole dispositive power with respect to 2,337,906 shares and shared dispositive power with respect to 60,874 shares. Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Vanguard Group, Inc., is the beneficial owner of 60,874 shares or 0.14% of the Common Stock outstanding of the Company as a result of its serving as investment manager of collective trust accounts. Vanguard Investments Australia, Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Vanguard Group, Inc., is the beneficial owner of 16,900 shares or 0.04% of the Common Stock outstanding of the Company as a result of its serving as investment manager of Australian investment offerings.

4. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Executive Summary

        The compensation program for executive officers is designed to provide a conservative yet competitive compensation package that will enable us to attract and retain highly talented individuals for key positions, promote the accomplishment of our performance objectives, and achieve Company results beneficial to our stockholders, customers and other stakeholders. The program is administered by our Compensation Committee ("Committee") which is composed entirely of non-employee, independent directors who are appointed by and serve at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors. The overarching objective of the Committee is to provide a conservative, yet secure, base salary, with the opportunity to earn a significantly higher total level of compensation under cash and equity incentive opportunities that link executive compensation to Company and individual performance factors.

        In order to align the Company's executive compensation program with the interests of our stockholders, a significant portion of each executive's total compensation opportunity is presented in the form of equity compensation. In addition, equity and other at-risk elements of compensation are tied to both short-term and long-term performance measures. In essence, at-risk compensation must be "re-earned" annually.

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        The Committee is assisted in accomplishing its responsibilities by an independent compensation consultant ("Consultant"). The Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of the Consultant. The Consultant does not perform other services for us outside of its engagement with the Committee, but may interact directly with the President and CEO, our legal counsel and/or other Company personnel for the purpose of obtaining executive officer compensation and performance data to be used in its review and analysis. The Committee retains all decision-making and approval authority with regard to determining executive compensation levels.

        The Committee structures the executive compensation program to motivate executives to achieve specified business goals and to reward the achievement of those goals. Compensation decisions made by the Committee are based on market analysis, Company performance, achievement of individual performance objectives, the level and nature of the executive's responsibilities and the level of experience in his or her position.

        Our compensation program includes three basic compensation elements:

• Base Salary • Annual Cash Incentives • Long-Term Stock Incentives

        Base Salary combined with Annual Cash Incentives make up Total Cash Compensation. Total Cash Compensation combined with Long-Term Incentives make up Total Direct Compensation. Each of these compensation elements is discussed more fully below.

        By design, Base Salary is set significantly lower than the median Base Salary of the national market (our former benchmark) and our industry-specific peer group (our current benchmark). Annual Cash Incentive and Long-Term Incentive targets are set at fixed percentages of Base Salary. These incentive compensation elements provide each executive the potential to earn higher levels of Total Direct Compensation depending on Company and individual performance.

        The Committee believes the compensation approach discussed above appropriately balances stockholder, customer and other stakeholder interests and is a responsible approach to executive compensation. It includes the following features:

•

Short-term incentive compensation focused on tactical near-term objectives that support the Company's longer-term goals,

•

Limitations on potential incentive compensation awards equal to 200% of target opportunity,

•

Long-term performance-based stock awards linked to stockholder returns over a three-year period,

•

Time-vested stock awards designed to promote a proper focus on the creation of stockholder value,

•

Participation in the same health and welfare benefits and qualified pension plan offered to all our full-time employees, and

•

A traditional supplemental retirement plan that only covers compensation not included in the qualified pension plan due solely to tax limitations.

        In addition, the executive compensation approach includes the following provisions:

•

A Change In Control Severance Pay Plan ("Severance") that includes a "double-trigger" (requiring a change in control and termination of employment) and a reasonable payment equal to 36 months of severance pay benefits (see discussion under "—Potential Payments upon Termination and Change in Control"),

•

A provision that non-vested equity awards do not accelerate after a change in control unless the executive is terminated, and

17

•

No employment agreements or guaranteed compensation arrangements between the Company and the executive officers other than the severance agreement.

Analysis of Executive Officer Compensation

        The Committee believes the 2012 mix of compensation elements (based on target-level incentive opportunities) available to our President and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and all other Named Executive Officers ("NEOs") as illustrated below reflects our commitment to an executive compensation program that rewards individuals for performance.

2012 Compensation Mix

        Beginning in 2013, the Committee has elected to make modifications to executive officer base salaries and the mix of compensation elements, placing more compensation in the form of incentive compensation. Each of these modifications is discussed more fully below. The 2013 mix of compensation elements (based on target-level incentive opportunities) following the implementation of these changes is illustrated below.

2013 Compensation Mix

        The Committee believes this modification strengthens the relationship between pay and performance, as a larger portion of each executive officer's Total Direct Compensation has been placed in the form of at-risk short-term and long-term incentive compensation.

        With respect to the 2012 compensation of Mr. Bradley P. Beecher, our President and Chief Executive Officer, approximately 55% of his total target direct compensation opportunity consisted of at-risk compensation in the form of short-term and long-term incentives. As illustrated below, Mr. Beecher's total 2012 target direct compensation opportunity was conservative when compared to

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the 25^th percentile compensation opportunities of our industry-specific peer group of companies. Moreover, the Consultant has informed the Committee that the 2012 Total Direct Compensation opportunity of each of the CEOs included in our industry-specific peer group, at target performance levels, was greater than that of Mr. Beecher.

2012 Compensation Mix

        When establishing Mr. Beecher's compensation, the Committee considers the actuarially-estimated change in pension value reported under the "—Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings" column in the Summary Compensation Table of our Proxy Statements. The Committee believes that the estimated change in pension value does not represent current compensation paid to Mr. Beecher for his service as President and CEO, as Mr. Beecher's pension benefits are not realizable until the time of his retirement. In calculating Mr. Beecher's future pension benefits, his total years of service with our Company are included in our benefit formula, rather than only those years he has served as our President and CEO. Additionally, the estimated change in Mr. Beecher's pension value is based on a life expectancy of 83 years. The table below shows Mr. Beecher's total compensation as reported in our Summary Compensation Tables since his election to the position of President and CEO in 2011, the annual amounts of estimated change in pension value included in his total compensation since and including his year of election, and the amount of his compensation that excludes the change in his estimated pension value.

Year	Total Compensation Reported on Summary Compensation Table		Change in Pension Value Reported on Summary Compensation Table		Total Compensation Excluding Change in Pension Value
2012	$	927,089	$	252,290	$	674,799
2011	$	683,706	$	277,308	$	406,398

        The Committee believes the Total Compensation Excluding Change in Pension Value is more representative of the actual compensation value Mr. Beecher received for his service as President and CEO during each year of service. This same assessment regarding actuarially-estimated change in pension value and the realization of pension benefits is applicable to each NEO.

The Role of the Compensation Committee

        The Compensation Committee ("Committee"), on behalf of the Board of Directors, administers our director and executive compensation programs. The Committee meets at scheduled times during

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the year and on an as-needed basis. The duties and responsibilities of the Committee are described in its charter (which has been approved by the full Board of Directors) and include:

•

Assisting the Board of Directors in establishing and overseeing director and executive officer compensation policies and practices,

•

Hiring, terminating and directing the activities of the independent compensation consultant,

•

Reviewing and analyzing general industry and peer group compensation data,

•

Reviewing and approving executive officer goals, objectives and compensation levels,

•

Evaluating executive officer performance,

•

Making recommendations to the Board of Directors as to the form and amount of director compensation levels, and

•

Considering the outcome of the stockholder advisory votes on executive compensation when evaluating executive compensation policies and practices and when making future executive compensation decisions.

The Role of the President and CEO

        The President and CEO attends Committee meetings, including the meeting where the Committee deliberates base salary changes and annual incentive metrics and performance measures for executive officers. His role at these meetings includes:

•

Reviewing the performance of each executive officer against position accountabilities and Annual Incentive Plans ("AIP") metrics and performance measures, and recommending AIP awards for the just-ended fiscal year for each executive officer,

•

Making base salary adjustment recommendations for the ensuing performance year for each executive officer,

•

Reviewing and recommending AIP metrics and performance measures for the ensuing fiscal year, and

•

Responding to questions Committee members may have regarding base salary levels and AIP metrics, performance measures and awards.

        The President and CEO does not directly participate in the deliberations of the Committee and he is not present during nor does he take part in any way in the Committee's deliberations with respect to establishing his compensation.

The Role of the Consultant

        During 2012, the Committee directly engaged Hay Group, an independent compensation consulting firm (the "Consultant"). Work performed for the Committee by the Consultant during 2012 included:

•

Analysis of leading practices and trends in the utility industry,

•

Analysis of the relative positioning of each of our executive officer positions to similar positions within its proprietary national market database,

•

Review and evaluation of our compensation program and compensation levels as compared to compensation practices of other companies with similar characteristics, including size and type of business (see discussion of industry-specific peer group under "—Benchmarking"),

•

Recommendation of appropriate industry-specific peer group of companies,

20

•

Performing calculations necessary to determine recommendations for performance-based equity awards, and

•

Recommending the structure of the executive compensation program relative to the results of its analysis of national market and industry-specific peer group companies.

        The Consultant's 2012 review will serve as the basis for compensation decisions beginning in 2013 and continue until such time that the Committee engages an independent consultant to perform a subsequent review. The most recent executive compensation review prior to the 2012 review was performed by the same Consultant in 2010. The work performed by the Consultant during its 2010 review was substantially similar to the work performed during its 2012 review. The 2010 review served as the basis for compensation decisions related to 2012 performance.

The Role of Stockholder Say-on-Pay Advisory Votes

        We provide our stockholders with the opportunity to cast an annual advisory vote on executive compensation (a "say-on-pay advisory proposal" as described under Section 2, "—MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING"). At our annual meeting of stockholders held in April 2012, a substantial majority of the votes cast on the say-on-pay advisory proposal at that meeting were voted in favor of the proposal. The Committee believes this affirms stockholders' support of our approach to executive compensation.

Compensation Philosophy

        The Committee sets target compensation levels in a manner designed to:

•

Be competitive and permit us to attract and retain executive talent,

•

Be conservative with respect to our peer group and, prior to 2013, the national market, and

•

Provide incentive for executives to achieve individual and company performance goals.

        During 2012, the Committee utilized a compensation philosophy that targeted a certain level for each element of executive pay based on the results of a 2009 national market survey developed by the Consultant. This survey is discussed in more detail below under "Benchmarking". During 2012, Base Salary was targeted within a range surrounding the mid-point between the 25^th and 50^th percentiles of the 2009 national market survey. The Committee believes the use of a range is appropriate to recognize the level of experience each executive may have in the position he or she holds. If an executive's Base Salary was established at the mid-point described above, then Total Cash Compensation and Total Direct Compensation was also targeted to approximate the mid-point between the 25^th and 50^th percentiles of the same national market survey. However, as we will discuss below, these two elements of compensation are expressed as percentages of Base Salary. Therefore, the relative positioning of each executive's target Total Cash Compensation and Total Direct Compensation opportunity with respect to the mid-point between the 25^th and 50^th percentiles of the national market survey was affected by their positioning within the Base Salary range discussed above.

        During the 2010 review, the Consultant also found that the most prevalent approach used to deliver long-term incentive compensation to executives in the utility industry, and in particular to executives of our peer group of companies discussed below, was a combination of performance shares and time-vested restricted stock. Effective January 1, 2011, as a result of these findings, the Committee elected to replace the stock option and dividend equivalent portions of the Long-Term Incentive element of the executive compensation program with time-vested restricted stock awards.

        Beginning in 2013, the Committee has modified its compensation philosophy described above to target the 25^th percentile levels of the industry-specific peer group of companies (see "—Benchmarking" below) for Base Salary, Total Cash Compensation and Total Direct Compensation,

21

while continuing to maintain a range concept to recognize differing levels of experience. The Committee believes the comparison to compensation levels of similar peer group positions is more reflective of our executive officer's roles and responsibilities and is therefore more appropriate than the most recently utilized comparison to the national market survey.

Benchmarking

        As noted above, during 2012 the Committee set the benchmarks (i.e., the 25^th percentile, the 50^th percentile and the midpoint between the 25^th and 50^th percentiles) based on a 2009 national market survey developed by the Consultant. Once these levels were set, the Committee compared the values resulting from this benchmarking process to the corresponding compensation levels at an industry-specific peer group of companies also developed by the Consultant. This comparison was done to ensure that total compensation was competitive within the industry and appropriate when certain levels of performance were achieved. If, based on this comparison, the Committee determined that the levels set through the benchmarking process were not competitive or were not appropriate, the Committee may have adjusted the applicable compensation levels and targets accordingly. This comparison was a contributing factor in the Committee's decision to modify its compensation philosophy beginning in 2013 to both reduce the targets to the 25^th percentile levels and to change the benchmark to that of the industry-specific peer group of companies.

        At the time the last executive compensation review was performed in 2010, the Consultant informed us that the national market survey discussed above contained information on thousands of executives from over 1,400 parent organizations and independent operating units across all industry sectors. Characteristics of participating organizations included:

        In addition, approximately 57% of the organizations participating in the survey had less than 5,000 employees, while approximately 30% had more than 10,000 employees. Included within the industrial/manufacturing sector were 48 utility companies and 83 general manufacturing companies. The Committee relied on the Consultant to conduct its own research, compile its own survey data and provide a summarization of such data relevant to the Committee's decisions with respect to setting compensation levels. Hence, the Committee did not review the names of the participating survey companies prior to making compensation decisions. However, the names of the parent companies that participated in the national market survey most recently utilized by the Consultant in work performed for the Committee are attached hereto as Appendix A.

        During 2012 the industry-specific peer group of companies that was recommended by the Consultant and adopted by the Committee represented publicly traded electric or electric and gas

22

utilities that were comparable to Empire in terms of sales, market value, growth, etc. The 2012 peer group consisted of:

Black Hills Corporation	El Paso Electric Company	Otter Tail Corporation
Central Vermont Public Service	Idacorp Inc.	South Jersey Industries, Inc.
CH Energy Group, Inc.	The LaClede Group	UIL Holdings Corporation
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation	MGE Energy Inc.	Unisource Energy Corporation
Cleco Corporation	NorthWestern Corporation	Unitil Corporation

        Beginning in 2013, the Consultant recommended, and the Committee has adopted, a revised set of industry-specific peer companies that represent publicly traded electric, gas, combined electric and gas, and water utilities comparable to Empire in terms of sales, market value, growth characteristics, and assets. The 2013 peer group of companies consists of:

ALLETE, Inc.	Cleco Corporation	NorthWestern Corporation
American States Water Company	El Paso Electric Company	Otter Tail Corporation
Aqua America, Inc.	IDACORP, Inc.	South Jersey Industries, Inc.
Black Hills Corporation	MGE Energy, Inc.	Unitil Corporation
California Water Services Group	Northwest Natural Gas Company	UNS Energy Corporation
Chesapeake Utilities

        As described above under "—Compensation Philosophy", 2013 compensation benchmarks will be set based on the 25^th percentile of the revised industry-specific peer group of companies.

        An essential part of the benchmarking process involves the Consultant's use of a systematic approach to evaluate the duties and responsibilities of our executive positions. This approach recognizes the practical reality that job responsibilities of persons with similar titles may vary significantly from company to company, and that a person's title is not necessarily descriptive of a person's duties. In its evaluation, the Consultant considered the scope and complexity of incumbent positions and compared those positions to the scope and complexity of our executive positions. The result was an assessment of the relative position of the compensation being paid to our executives in light of the compensation being paid to persons performing duties of similar scope and complexity. The Committee used this assessment to assist it in making decisions regarding appropriate compensation levels for our executive positions. The underlying principle of the evaluation methodology is to focus on identifying those positions that have a scope and complexity of responsibilities that are comparable to those duties exercised by each of our particular executives.

Base Salary

        The Consultant makes base salary target recommendations to the Committee for each position with consideration given to our compensation philosophy. Base salary targets are reviewed periodically as described above to ensure our executive positions are comparable with the marketplace in terms of expertise, scope and accountability.

        At the beginning of the fiscal year, the President and CEO reviewed executive officer performance with, and made Base Salary recommendations to, the Committee for all executive officers other than himself. Based upon his review and recommendations, and with consideration given to market information provided by the Consultant, the Committee set the Base Salary of each such executive officer for the fiscal year. The Committee independently appraised the performance of the President and CEO, and set his Base Salary accordingly. The Committee will determine any Base Salary adjustments necessary throughout the year should material changes in office or responsibilities occur.

        As mentioned above, the Committee has modified its compensation philosophy beginning in 2013 to target the 25^th percentile levels of the industry-specific peer group of companies, including the 25^th percentile of Base Salary. The 25^th percentile Base Salary of the President and CEO position of the

23

industry-specific peer group determined by the Consultant in its 2012 review was $509,000. In order to begin the transition of Mr. Beecher's Base Salary to this 25^th percentile level, the Committee set his 2013 Base Salary at $459,000. Similarly, the Committee set 2013 base salaries for each of the other NEOs as follows: Ms. Delano, $261,000; Mr. Gatz, $250,000; Mr. Palmer, $225,000; and Ms. Walters, $266,000.

Annual Cash Incentives

2012

        During 2012, the Annual Cash Incentive portion of Total Cash Compensation was derived from individual Annual Incentive Plans ("AIP"), whereby executive officers can earn additional cash compensation based on performance measured against short-term tactical goals that focus on operating conditions and circumstances of a particular year. These tactical goals are developed from and lend support to our long-term vision and goals. Each executive officer provided the President and CEO input on a set of proposed metrics and performance measures for the 2012 fiscal year. One or more performance measures were developed for each metric. Each performance measure was assigned a percentage weighting, summing to 100% in aggregate. The President and CEO evaluated the proposed metrics and performance measures, made any necessary modifications, and presented the proposed annual metrics and performance measures for himself and all other executive officers to the Committee. The Committee reviewed his recommendations for consistency, measurability, and equity relative to individual responsibilities and, together with their assessment of our near-term objectives, made any necessary adjustments to individual AIP before approving.

        Once metrics, performance measures and weightings were determined, total target Annual Cash Incentive amounts were calculated for each executive officer with consideration given to the Total Cash Compensation philosophy discussed above. During 2012, for the President and CEO, the Annual Cash Incentive amount available at target levels of performance was equal to 55% of annual base salary, while the amount available for executive officers other than the President and CEO, at target levels of performance, equaled 35% of their annual base salary.

        Threshold and maximum performance levels may also be developed for each performance measure. Threshold and maximum amounts are equal to 50% and 200%, respectively, of the target level amount. If an executive does not perform at least at a threshold level of expected performance with regard to any particular individual performance measure, no incentive compensation is awarded with respect to that performance measure. Likewise, no award greater than the maximum award is paid when performance exceeds the maximum level of expected performance required to earn such award.

        Each executive officer's AIP performance and indicated payout were reviewed by the President and CEO with the Committee following the conclusion of the fiscal year. The Committee considered his review and recommendations, made any appropriate adjustments and determined the amount of Annual Cash Incentive earned by each executive. The Committee independently appraised the performance of the President and CEO, and determined his incentive award accordingly.

        Generally, each executive's AIP will include an Earnings Per Share, Expense Control, and Safety metric. Additional metrics commonly applied to the President and CEO and the Vice President—Finance and CFO relate to Capital Markets and Corporate Governance. Executive officers who have responsibilities over our operational areas have specific operational metrics related to their areas of responsibilities. Examples include Project Completion, Customer Service, Regulatory Performance, and Operations.

        Performance measure ranges are generally linked to the threshold, target and maximum performance award levels. For instance, to qualify for the threshold performance award under a performance measure of budgetary control, an executive must operate their responsibility area at no

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greater than +10% of budgeted expenses. To qualify for the maximum performance award under the same performance measure, an executive must operate their responsibility area at -10% of budgeted expenses. The qualification criteria for other performance measures may be whether the executive accomplished or did not accomplish the measure. Under this criterion, the executive must fully accomplish the measure to qualify for any award. AIP measurements may be either quantitative or qualitative. Measurements considered qualitative are identified as such below.

        Metrics developed for the 2012 AIP consisted of:

•

Expense Control.  Measures included control of operating/maintenance, capital and fuel and purchased power expenses.

•

Regulatory Performance/Strategic Initiatives/Southwest Power Pool.  Measures consisted of the planning, developing, and filing of rate proceedings, planning and implementation associated with facilities upgrades and our enterprise application software upgrade (a qualitative measure), compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and our participation in Southwest Power Pool Board and Regional State Committee meetings (a qualitative measure).

•

Earnings Per Share ("EPS")/Capital Markets/Finance/Corporate Governance.  Measures consisted of EPS results, management of our long-term and short-term debt costs, involvement in conferences with rating agencies and institutional investors (a qualitative measure), the identification or lack thereof of material weaknesses in internal control, and other financing activities.

•

Operations/Safety/Communications.  Measures included minimization of employee lost-time incidents, gas segment safety audits conducted by the Missouri Public Service Commission, gas segment residential and non-residential customer growth, and development of an internal management communications plan (a qualitative measure).

•

Customer Service.  Measures included the frequency and duration of customer outages, upgrade of call center software and improvement of call center performance (a qualitative measure), minimization of generating station forced outages, minimization of customer complaints to state public service commissions, and management of certain field operations labor practices.

        The target incentive award opportunity for the Expense Control and Finance metrics comprised the most significant portion of the 2012 AIP, encompassing approximately 24% of the overall targeted incentive award opportunity. With continuing economic and operating environment challenges, the need to control expenses was paramount. The executive team managed operating and maintenance expenses, capital expenditures, interest expense, and fuel and purchased power expenses to well under budgeted levels. Target award opportunities for Mr. Beecher, Ms. Delano, Mr. Gatz, Mr. Palmer and Ms. Walters under this metric were 30%, 20%, 20%, 20% and 30% respectively, of their total target incentive award opportunity. Of similar significance to the Expense Control metric, the target incentive award opportunity for the Earnings Per Share ("EPS") results metric, which was a new metric during the 2012 performance year, accounted for 20% of each executive officer's total target incentive award

25

opportunity, and therefore 20% of the overall targeted incentive award opportunity. Performance against quantitative measures under these two metrics was evaluated as follows:

	Performance Measures	Threshold Performance	Target Performance(1) (in thousands, except $/mwh and EPS amounts)		Maximum Performance	Actual Performance Relative to Target	Award Amount
Mr. Beecher	O & M Expense	Target +10%	$	137,756	Target -10%	Minus 0.15%	$	18,078
	Total Capital Expenditures	Target +10%	$	148,379	Target -10%	Minus 2.6%	$	22,441
	Fuel & Purchased Power Expense(2)	Target +10%	$	32.89	Target -10%	Minus 9.3%	$	34,374
	Earnings Per Share	$1.00	$	1.23 - $1.37	Above Range	$1.32	$	35,621
Ms. Delano	O & M Expense	Target +10%	$	10,309	Target -10%	Minus 1.5%	$	7,151
	Interest Expense(3)	Target +5%	$	43,746	Target -5%	Minus 5.2%	$	12,437
	Earnings Per Share	$1.00	$	1.23 - $1.37	Above Range	$1.32	$	12,437
Mr. Gatz	O & M Expense	Target +10%	$	9,441	Target -10%	Minus 2.6%	$	8,630
	Capital Expenditures	Target +10%	$	3,929	Target -10%	Minus 16.7%	$	13,699
	Earnings Per Share	$1.00	$	1.23 - $1.37	Above Range	$1.32	$	13,699
Mr. Palmer	O & M Expense	Target +10%	$	8,455	Target -10%	Minus 10.7%	$	14,240
	Capital Expenditures	Target +10%	$	19,003	Target -10%	Minus 2.6%	$	8,971
	Earnings Per Share	$1.00	$	1.23 - $1.37	Above Range	$1.32	$	14,240
Ms. Walters	O & M Expense	Target +10%	$	82,754	Target -10%	Plus 0.4%	$	8,154
	Capital Expenditures	Target +10%	$	151,011	Target -10%	Minus 3.0%	$	11,041
	Fuel & Purchased Power Expense(2)	Target +10%	$	32.89	Target -10%	Minus 9.3%	$	16,392
	Earnings Per Share	$1.00	$	1.23 - $1.37	Above Range	$1.32	$	16,987

(1)

Target Performance values for the O & M Expense and Capital Expenditures Performance Measures may vary for each Named Executive Officer as such measures are related to each Named Executive Officer's area of responsibility.

(2)

Expressed as dollars per megawatt hour net system input, with demand charges.

(3)

No incentive amount is payable if at any time during the applicable year our bank line of credit limit is exceeded.

        The cumulative target incentive award opportunity for the remaining performance metrics discussed below encompassed approximately 56% of the overall target incentive award opportunity. Under these performance metrics, Mr. Beecher, Ms. Delano, Mr. Gatz, Mr. Palmer and Ms. Walters earned incentive awards of $110,245, $54,970, $47,022, $55,821, and $60,303, respectively. These metrics are related primarily to qualitative measures, but also include some less significant quantitative measures. The Committee evaluated 2012 performance against these measures as generally near target level.

        The Customer Service and Operations/Safety metrics comprised approximately 23% of the overall targeted incentive award opportunity. A stated goal of the Company is to effectively meet our customer's expectations. Reliability of our electric and gas distribution system, generating stations, and communication services is essential in meeting this goal. These assets performed at or above expectations during the year. Additionally, executive management guided the workforce in reaching nearly one million hours of work (on a man hours worked basis) without a lost-time injury. It was the Committee's evaluation that the executive team managed overall electric and gas distribution systems, generating station, and customer communication services availability and operations effectively, efficiently and safely.

        The Regulatory Performance, Strategic Initiatives and Southwest Power Pool metrics comprised approximately 22% of the overall targeted incentive award opportunity. Executive management is strongly committed to maintaining ongoing compliance with safety, environmental, and other regulatory requirements. Our stated goals include providing a safe and positive work experience for our employees and acting as responsible stewards of the environment. The executive management team provided effective leadership in accomplishing a year that included zero safety and environmental citations or notices of violation.

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        The Capital Markets, Corporate Governance and Communications metrics comprised approximately 11% of the overall targeted incentive award opportunity. The Capital Markets/Finance metric was applicable to Mr. Beecher and Ms. Delano. The Corporate Governance metric was applicable to Ms. Delano. The Communications metric was applicable to Ms. Walters.

        The table below indicates the amount and percentage of each Named Executive Officer's 2012 target and actual incentive award for each applicable metric discussed above (on a dollar basis and as a percentage of total target opportunity).

	Expense Control/ EPS/Finance Dollars (% of Total Target Award Opportunity)(1)			Customer Service/ Operations/Safety Dollars (% of Total Target Award Opportunity)(1)			Regulatory Performance/ Strategic Initiatives/ Southwest Power Pool Dollars (% of Total Target Award Opportunity)(1)			Capital Markets/ Corporate Governance Communications Dollars (% of Total Target Award Opportunity)(1)			Total Dollars (% of Total Target Award Opportunity)
Mr. Beecher
Target Award	$	89,051 (50	)%	$	35,620 (20	)%	$	35,620 (20	)%	$	17,810 (10	)%	$	178,101 (100	)%
Actual Award	$	110,514 (62	)%	$	52,362 (30	)%	$	35,620 (20	)%	$	22,263 (13	)%	$	220,759 (124	)%
Ms. Delano
Target Award	$	24,875 (40	)%	$	3,109 (5	)%	$	9,328 (15	)%	$	24,876 (40	)%	$	62,188 (100	)%
Actual Award	$	32,025 (51	)%	$	5,223 (8	)%	$	18,655 (30	)%	$	31,092 (50	)%	$	86,995 (139	)%
Mr. Gatz
Target Award	$	27,398 (40	)%	$	41,100 (60	)%		N/A			N/A		$	68,498 (100	)%
Actual Award	$	36,028 (53	)%	$	47,022 (69	)%		N/A			N/A		$	83,050 (122	)%
Mr. Palmer
Target Award	$	28,480 (40	)%	$	3,560 (5	)%	$	39,160 (55	)%		N/A		$	71,200 (100	)%
Actual Award	$	37,451 (53	)%	$	5,981 (8	)%	$	49,840 (70	)%		N/A		$	93,272 (131	)%
Ms. Walters
Target Award	$	42,466 (50	)%	$	21,234 (25	)%	$	16,987 (20	)%	$	4,247 (5	)%	$	84,934 (100	)%
Actual Award	$	52,574 (62	)%	$	34,823 (41	)%	$	16,987 (20	)%	$	8,493 (10	)%	$	112,877 (133	)%

(1)

"N/A" indicates metric(s) were Not Applicable to the Named Executive Officer during 2012.

        No single performance measure is material to the compensation program overall; for example, the average NEO target opportunity per performance measure in the 2012 AIP was $10,107. Since the adoption of the current form of the Executive Officer AIP in 2001, the average Annual Cash Incentive award for all executive officers, including the President and CEO and the 2011 award that was earned but not paid, but excluding executive officers who have since retired, was approximately 119% of the target opportunity amounts.

2013

        Beginning in 2013, in order to provide the opportunity to achieve the 25^th percentile level of peer group Total Cash Compensation, the Committee has modified the Annual Cash Incentive amount available at target levels of performance for the Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer—Electric, the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer—Gas, and the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer to represent 40% of their annual base salary (compared to 35% in 2012). Annual Cash Incentive amounts available at target levels of performance for the other NEOs remained unchanged compared to 2012.

        Additionally, the Committee has structured the 2013 AIP to include a common Corporate Performance Metric and related performance measures that, at target-level performance, is equal to

27

50% of the Annual Cash Incentive opportunity available to each executive officer (or 60% of the President and CEO's Annual Cash Incentive opportunity). This new performance metric, which is a combination of several performance metrics used in 2012, is driven from our overall corporate goals and features the following performance measures:

Corporate Performance Metric

Performance Measures	Weighting(1)			Threshold 50%	Target 100%	Maximum 200%
Earnings Per Share(1)		20	%	$1.00	$1.26 - $1.43	> $1.43
Corporate Level Expense Control
Capital Expenditures		10	%	Budget +10%	At Budget	Budget -10%
Operating and Maintenance Expense		10	%	Budget +5%	At Budget	Budget -5%
Safety Performance
DART Rate(2)		5	%	2.95	2.35	2.10
Man hours worked no lost time		5	%	300,000	500,000	1,000,000

(1)

Mr. Beecher's Earnings Per Share performance measure is weighted at 30% of his total target Annual Cash Incentive opportunity, therefore his total Corporate Performance Metric is equal to 60% of his Annual Cash Incentive opportunity.

(2)

Days Away from work, Restricted work activity, or job Transfer.

        In addition to the Corporate Performance Metric, 20% of Mr. Beecher's Annual Cash Incentive opportunity reflects total Company-level operational metrics and performance measures as illustrated below.

Mr. Beecher

Metric     Performance Measures	Weighting			Threshold 50%	Target 100%	Maximum 200%
Expense Control
Fuel and Purchased Power Expenses		10	%	Budget +10%	At Budget	Budget -10%
Capital Markets/Governance
Rating Agency Interaction		5	%	Present once to Each Agency	Threshold + present to 1 agency 2 times	Present to Each Agency 2 Times
Institutional Investors Interactions		5	%	5	10	15

        Similarly, (40%) of the Annual Cash Incentive opportunity for each other NEO reflects specific operational metrics related to their areas of responsibility. These metrics and associated performance measures are illustrated below.

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Ms. Delano

Metric     Performance Measures	Weighting			Threshold 50%	Target 100%	Maximum 200%
Operational Area Expense Control
Operating and Maintenance Expenses		10	%	Budget +10%	At Budget	Budget -10%
Capital Markets/Governance
Rating Agency Interactions		5	%	Present once to Each Agency	Threshold + present to 1 agency 2 times	Present to Each Agency 2 Times
Institutional Investors Interactions		5	%	5	10	15
Investor Relations		10	%	Plan Development	Plan Dev/Updated	Target +5 Contacts
Analyst Coverage		10	%	Current Coverage	Threshold + 1	Threshold + 2

Mr. Gatz

Metric     Performance Measures	Weighting			Threshold 50%	Target 100%	Maximum 200%
Operational Area Expense Control
Capital Expenditures		10	%	Budget +10%	At Budget	Budget -10%
Operating and Maintenance Expenses		10	%	Budget +10%	At Budget	Budget -10%
Operations
Annual Missouri Public Service Commission (MPSC) Safety Audits		5	%	No Material Probable Violations (PV) + >50% No Material Areas of Concern (AC)	No Material PVs + >75% No Material ACs	No Material PVs +100% No Material ACs
Residential Customer Growth		10	%	-0.50%	0.00%	0.50%
MPSC Non-Payment Related Commission Complaints (CC)		5	%	CCs >=25	Non-Payment Related CCs =15	CCs <=5

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Mr. Palmer

Metric     Performance Measures	Weighting			Threshold 50%	Target 100%	Maximum 200%
Operational Area Expense Control
Purchasing Capital Expenditures		6	%	Budget +10%	At Budget	Budget -10%
Operating and Maintenance Expenses		10	%	Budget +10%	At Budget	Budget -10%
Operations
North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Critical Infrastructure Protection Audit Performance		6	%	Develop Action Plan to Mitigate Audit Findings	Plan to Mitigate Potential Alleged Violations (PAV) + No Material NERC Action Expected	No Violations/PAV/ Penalties
Cyber/Physical Security Plan		6	%	Establish Team, Develop Recommendations	50% Recomendations Implemented	All Recommendations Implemented
Legislative Changes		6	%	Infrastructure System Replacement Surcharge (ISRS) Passed Through 1 Missouri Chamber	ISRS Passed Through 2 Missouri Chambers	ISRS Becomes Law
Social Media		6	%	Develop Strategy	Threshold + 50% Implementation	Implement All New Strategy

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Ms. Walters

Metric     Performance Measures	Weighting			Threshold 50%	Target 100%	Maximum 200%
Operational Area Expense Control
Operating and Maintenance Expense		10	%	Budget +10%	At Budget	Budget -10%
Fuel and Purchased Power Expenses		5	%	Budget +10%	At Budget	Budget -10%
Operations
Customer Service—SAIFI Rate(1)		5	%	1.64	1.43	1.22
Customer Service—SAIDI Rate(2)		5	%	183	159	135
Customer Response Performance		2.5	%	<= 30 Second Response, 60% or Greater	<= 30 Second Response, 70% or Greater	<= 30 Second Response, 80% or Greater
Customer Service Structure		2.5	%	Customer Service Restructuring Plan	Threshold + Completed Restructuring	Target + achieved Cost Reduction and/or Service Improvement
Project Completion
Riverton Unit 12 Combined Cycle		5	%	Air/Intake Permits by December 31, 2013	Air/Intake Permits by July 1, 2013	Air/Intake Permits by May 1, 2013
Asbury Air Quality Control System Project		5	%	On Schedule and Budget +10%	On Schedule and Budget	On Schedule and Budget -10%

(1)

System Average Interruption Frequency Index

(2)

System Average Interruption Duration Index

        In addition to the Corporate Performance Metric and other operational metrics, each executive officer has a common subjective performance review metric whereby they are evaluated in areas of leadership, engagement of workforce, accountability, and overall job performance. This subjective performance metric is weighted at 20% of the total target Annual Cash Incentive opportunity for the President and CEO and 10% of the total target Annual Cash Incentive opportunity for each other NEO.

        Total AIP target award opportunities attainable by each of the Company's NEOs during fiscal 2013 are:

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Long-Term Incentives

        Long-Term Incentives consist of time-vested restricted stock awards (which replaced stock options and dividend equivalent rights effective January 1, 2011) and performance-based restricted stock awards.

        Equity awards are granted under our 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, which was approved by stockholders in 2005. Both forms of award are discussed in more detail below. The Long-Term Incentive element is designed to motivate executive officers over the long-term to put forth maximum effort in contributing to the continued success and growth of Empire, and to ensure the interests of the executive officers are aligned with those of stockholders. In addition, Long-Term Incentives provide a measure of retention incentive for executive officers, leading to enhanced stability of our senior management team. During 2012, the target Long-Term Incentive opportunity for the President and CEO was equal to 65% of his annual base salary, while the target Long-Term Incentive opportunity for executive officers other than the President and CEO was equal to 15% of their annual base salaries. In accordance with our compensation philosophy described above, during 2012 the target Total Cash Compensation of our executive officers, plus their target level Long-Term Incentive opportunity, was designed to approximate the midpoint between the 25^th and 50^th percentile of the national market for Total Direct Compensation as adjusted to reflect their individual positioning within the Base Salary range.

        Beginning in 2013, in order to provide the opportunity to achieve the 25^th percentile level of peer group Total Direct Compensation, the Committee has modified the Long-Term Incentive opportunity for the President and CEO to represent 80% of his annual base salary. Similarly, the Committee modified the Long-Term Incentive opportunity for the Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer—Electric, the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer—Gas, and the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer to represent 45% of their annual base salary. The Long-Term Incentive opportunity for all other executive officers was modified to represent 30% of their annual base salary. As with Total Cash Compensation, Total Direct Compensation at target-level performance will approximate the 25^th percentile of the Total Direct Compensation of the industry-specific peer group of companies for all executive officers.

        At target levels of performance, the time-vested restricted stock is intended to represent approximately one-half the total value of each executive officer's Long-Term Incentive opportunity, with the performance-based restricted stock awards representing the remaining half.

Time-Vested Restricted Stock

        Time-vested restricted stock awards granted to executive officers provide the opportunity to receive a number of shares of common stock at the end of a three-year vesting period. As noted above, this award replaced the stock option and dividend equivalent portions of the Long-Term Incentive opportunity effective January 1, 2011. No dividend rights accumulate during the vesting period. Time-vested restricted stock is intended to represent approximately one-half the total value of each executive officer's Long-Term Incentive opportunity.

        Time-vested restricted stock is valued at an amount equal to the average price of our common stock on the grant date. In accordance with the Stock Incentive Plan, this average price is determined by calculating the average value between the high and low stock trading prices on the day of the grant.

        If employment terminates during the vesting period because of death, retirement, or disability, the executive is entitled to a pro-rata portion of the time-vested restricted stock awards such executive would otherwise have earned. If employment is terminated during the vesting period for reasons other than those listed above, the time-vested restricted stock awards will be forfeited on the date of the

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termination unless the Committee determines, in its sole discretion, that the executive is entitled to a pro-rata portion of such award.

Performance-Based Restricted Stock

        Performance-based restricted stock awards granted to executive officers provide the opportunity to receive a number of shares of common stock at the end of a three-year performance period if performance goals set forth in the award are satisfied. The performance goals are tied to the percentile ranking of Empire's total stockholder return (share price appreciation or decline over the performance period plus cumulative value of dividends paid over the performance period, assuming reinvestment, divided by the stock price at the beginning of the performance period) for the three-year performance period as measured over the same period against all publicly traded, investor-owned electric utility companies. The target level of performance under the 2012 grants was set at the 50^th percentile ranking when compared to this group. The threshold level was set at the 20^th percentile, while the maximum level was set at the 80^th percentile. At the end of the performance period (December 31, 2014 for awards granted in 2012), the executive would earn 100% of the target number of shares if the target (50^th percentile) level of performance is reached. If the threshold level of performance is reached, the executive would earn 50% of the target number of shares. If performance reaches or exceeds the maximum level, the executive would earn 200% of the target number of shares. When performance levels are between the threshold and maximum performance levels, the amount of shares the executive earns is interpolated. No shares are earned if the threshold level of performance is not reached. The Consultant prepares an analysis of our total stockholder return percentile ranking for the just-ended three-year performance period relative to the comparator group described above. Based upon this analysis, the Consultant calculates the appropriate number of performance-based restricted stock shares to be awarded each executive. Performance-based restricted stock awards are approved by the Committee at the first meeting of the year. The total stockholder return for the three year performance period ended December 31, 2012 (for awards granted in 2010), was 8.0%, or just above the 22nd^th percentile of the comparator group. Since the adoption of the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, we have averaged a total stockholder return ranking slightly under the 43^rd percentile.

        If employment terminates during the performance period because of death, retirement, or disability, the executive is entitled to a pro-rata portion of the performance-based restricted stock awards such executive would otherwise have earned. If employment is terminated during the performance period for reasons other than those listed above, the performance-based restricted stock awards will be forfeited on the date of the termination unless the Committee determines, in its sole discretion, that the executive is entitled to a pro-rata portion of such award.

Limitations on Incentive Compensation

        Prior to 2012, we had a compensation limitation in effect which provided that, regardless of the extent to which any performance goals were met in any calendar year, no incentive compensation was to be provided to any executive officer for any year in which we did not pay dividends per share of common stock at least equal to the dividends per share paid in the preceding year. The dividend was temporarily suspended for the 3^rd and 4^th quarters of 2011 following the devastating EF-5 tornado that struck the Joplin, Missouri area on May 22, 2011, thereby triggering the incentive compensation limitation.

        In the Committee's view, the incentive compensation limitation restricted its ability to consider management's response to events or circumstances. As a result, management could be penalized rather than rewarded for outstanding efforts as they manage the Company through significant uncontrollable events such as the EF-5 tornado mentioned above. Therefore, due to the possibly Draconian effect this policy had on incentive compensation, the Committee reassessed the policy and determined to replace

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it with a limitation measured through a distinct stockholder-based metric in each executive officer's AIP.

        In making this determination, the Committee considered that a limitation that could eliminate all incentive compensation and be triggered by events outside the control of the executive officers was too harsh and not in line with our overall compensation philosophy. In addition, the declaration of dividends is a Board of Directors decision and generally not within the control of executive officers. By design, the equity portions of the Company's compensation program align the interest of the executive officers with stockholders. Accordingly, the Committee determined the AIP is an appropriate place to include a replacement provision to the compensation limitation. The Committee believes an Earnings Per Share metric is a close proxy to the incentive compensation limitation in that a sufficient level of Earnings Per Share would permit the Company to continue payment of the dividend at the current level.

        Therefore, to moderate the all or nothing effect of the incentive compensation limitation, the Committee added an Earnings Per Share metric based on achievement of specific Earnings Per Share levels to the AIP for 2012, accounting for 20% of each executive officer's total target Annual Cash Incentive award opportunity. During 2013, this 20% level will continue in place for each NEO's total target Annual Cash Incentive award opportunity, with the exception that the level put in place for the President and CEO has been increased by the Committee to 30%.

Change in Control

        We maintain a Change In Control Severance Pay Plan that covers executive officers as well as our other key employees who are not executive officers. The purpose of the plan is to assure continuity in leadership, continued focus, and dedication to customer and stockholder interests during and immediately after a change in control by mitigating the personal concerns that may confront a participant as a result of such an event. The plan provides severance pay benefits upon termination of employment after a change in control. This requirement of a "double-trigger" (i.e., the requirement that there be a change in control and a termination of employment) was instituted to balance the interests of the executive, Empire and our stockholders. There are several conditions that could constitute a change in control, but primarily, a change in control occurs if a merger or consolidation with, or sale to, another corporation or entity is consummated. The Change In Control Severance Pay Plan is discussed more fully under the section entitled "—Potential Payments upon Termination and Change in Control."

        We have not entered into any form of employment agreements with any executive officer other than agreements under the Change In Control Severance Pay Plan.

Other Benefits

        Executive officers participate in the same Retirement Plan that covers substantially all our other employees. This plan is a noncontributory, trusteed pension plan designed to meet the requirements of Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. Normal retirement is at age 65, with early retirement at a reduced benefit level permitted under certain conditions. We also maintain a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan which covers the executive officers who participate in the Retirement Plan. This supplemental plan is intended to provide benefits which, except for the applicable limits of Section 415 and Section 401(a)(17) of the Internal Revenue Code, would have been payable under the Retirement Plan. The supplemental plan is not qualified under the Internal Revenue Code and benefits payable under the plan are paid out of our general funds.

        Our Articles of Incorporation and bylaws contain provisions permitted by the Kansas General Corporation Code which, in general terms, provide that officers and directors will be indemnified by us for all losses that may be incurred by them in connection with any claim or legal action in which they

34

may become involved by reason of their service as our officer or director, if they meet certain specified conditions, and provide for the advancement by us to the officers and directors of expenses incurred by them in defending suits arising out of their service as an officer or director. The Board has authorized us to enter into indemnity agreements with officers and directors that provide for similar indemnification and advancement of expenses. The officers and directors are also covered by insurance indemnifying them against certain liabilities which might be incurred by them in their capacities as officers and directors. The premium for this insurance is paid by us.

        With the exception of certain plans specifically referenced in this discussion, the executive officers participate in the same health and welfare plans and under the same plan provisions available to all our other employees.

Compensation Committee Report

        The Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis (which is set forth above) with management. Based on this review and discussions, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement.

Thomas M. Ohlmacher, Chairman
D. Randy Laney
Kenneth R. Allen
Paul R. Portney
Herbert J. Schmidt

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Summary Compensation Table

        Set forth below is summary compensation information for each person who was (1) at any time during 2012 our Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer and (2) at December 31, 2012, one of our three most highly compensated executive officers, other than the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer (collectively, the "Named Executive Officers").

Name and Principal Position (a)	Year (b)		Salary ($) (c)		Bonus(1) ($) (d)		Stock Awards(2)(3) ($) (e)		Option Awards(2)(4) ($) (f)		Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation(5) ($) (g)		Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings(6) ($) (h)		All Other Compensation(7)(8) ($) (i)		Total ($) (j)
Bradley P. Beecher,		2012		323,825		0		123,114		0		220,759		252,290		9,210		929,198
President and Chief		2011		292,798		60,317		43,601		0		0		277,308		9,682		683,706
Executive Officer		2010		275,000		2,500		39,049		5,950		130,979		146,599		10,658		610,735
Laurie A. Delano,		2012		177,677		0		19,312		0		86,995		114,080		5,865		403,929
Vice President—		2011		143,691		20,506		0		0		0		82,164		5,039		251,400
Finance and Chief
Financial Officer
Ronald F. Gatz		2012		195,700		0		19,312		0		83,050		114,587		9,767		422,416
Vice President and		2011		190,000		39,152		27,746		0		0		152,893		8,374		418,165
Chief Operating		2010		180,000		0		26,581		3,910		85,239		93,481		7,981		397,192
Officer—Gas
Michael E. Palmer,		2012		203,425		0		21,726		0		93,272		211,760		11,599		540,445
Vice President—		2011		197,500		40,698		29,897		0		0		295,244		9,752		573,091
Transmission Policy		2010		193,000		0		26,949		4,080		108,084		163,638		9,395		505,146
and Corporate Services
Kelly S. Walters,		2012		242,667		2,000		24,140		0		112,877		186,552		7,936		576,851
Vice President and		2011		224,000		46,159		33,861		0		0		189,636		6,789		500,445
Chief Operating		2010		180,000		0		26,581		3,910		87,161		97,188		7,099		401,939
Officer—Electric

(1)

Ms. Walter's 2012 award is related to efforts put forth during the implementation of our enterprise application software upgrade. 2011 awards represent discretionary cash awards paid to executives in recognition of exceptional performance during 2011 following the devastating EF-5 tornado that struck the Joplin, Missouri area in May 2011. This event subsequently lead to the decision by the Board of Directors to temporarily suspend the common stock dividend, thereby triggering the limitation on incentive compensation, as described above under "Limitations on Incentive Compensation." Ms. Delano's 2011 award also includes an amount earned related to goal performance prior to her election as Vice President—Finance and Chief Financial Officer.

(2)

Amounts shown for stock and option awards represent the grant date fair value determined in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standard Codification Topic 718 ("FASB ASC Topic 718") for the applicable year relating to such awards. A discussion of the assumptions used to value these awards can be found under Note 4 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the "2012 10-K").

(3)

Represents the grant date fair value (determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718) for the applicable year relating to awards of time-vested restricted stock, performance-based restricted stock and dividend equivalents. Time-vested restricted stock was first granted in 2011. No time-vested restricted stock awards were made by the Compensation Committee in 2012 due to the triggering of the limitation on incentive compensation described in Note 1 above. The 2012 performance-based restricted stock awards were also subject to this same limitation on incentive compensation. However, in order to recognize outstanding efforts by management subsequent to the triggering event described in Note 1 above, the Compensation Committee granted discretionary performance-based restricted stock awards in 2012. No awards of dividend equivalent have been made since 2010.

Includes amounts relating to grants of time-vested restricted stock as follows:

	February 2011
B.P. Beecher	$	19,940
L.A. Delano		N/A
R.F. Gatz	$	12,689
M.E. Palmer	$	12,689
K.S. Walters	$	14,502

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Includes amounts relating to grants of performance-based restricted stock as follows:

	February
	2010		2011		2012
B.P. Beecher	$	26,169	$	23,661	$	123,114
L.A. Delano		N/A		N/A	$	19,312
R.F. Gatz	$	18,117	$	15,057	$	19,312
M.E. Palmer	$	18,117	$	17,208	$	21,726
K.S. Walters	$	18,177	$	19,359	$	24,140

Includes amounts relating to grants of dividend equivalents as follows:

	February 2010
B.P. Beecher	$	12,880
L.A. Delano		N/A
R.F. Gatz	$	8,464
M.E. Palmer	$	8,832
K.S. Walters	$	8,464

The amounts set forth in the table relating to performance-based restricted stock represent the grant date fair value of such awards assuming the target level of performance is attained. Assuming the maximum level of performance is attained, the grant date fair value of such awards would be as follows:

	February
	2010		2011		2012
B.P. Beecher	$	52,338	$	47,332	$	246,228
L.A. Delano		N/A		N/A	$	38,624
R.F. Gatz	$	36,234	$	30,114	$	38,624
M.E. Palmer	$	36,234	$	34,416	$	43,452
K.S. Walters	$	36,234	$	38,718	$	48,280

(4)

Represents grant date fair value (determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718) for the applicable year relating to awards of options to purchase common stock.

(5)

Represents cash awards under our Executive Officer Annual Incentive Plan (AIP). Ms. Delano and Mr. Palmer requested their 2012 awards be paid in the form of Empire common stock rather than cash. No earned awards were granted under the AIP for 2011 performance due to the triggering of the limitation on incentive compensation described in Note 1 above.

(6)

Represents the difference between the actuarial present value of each Named Executive Officer's accumulated benefit under all defined benefit plans at December 31 of the applicable year and the actuarial present value of each Named Executive Officer's accumulated benefit under all defined benefit plans at December 31 of the preceding year. Mr. Beecher, Ms. Delano, Mr. Gatz, Mr. Palmer and Ms. Walters participate in The Empire District Electric Company Employees' Retirement Plan ("Retirement Plan") and The Empire District Electric Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP"). The actuarial present value of each Named Executive Officer's accumulated benefit is affected in part by the discount rate assumption. The discount rate used to determine the actuarial present value of each Named Executive Officer's accumulated benefit during the 2012 measurement period was decreased to 4.70% from 5.50% used for the 2011 measurement period. Other factors that affected the accumulated benefit for each Named Executive Officer during the 2012 measurement period included an additional year of credited service, increased average annual earnings as a result of an additional year of compensated service, and decreased pension-eligible incentive compensation as a result of the triggering during 2011 of the limitation on incentive compensation described in Note 1 above. These factors are described more fully in the narrative discussion to the Pension Benefits table below. The amount of change in the pension value attributable to the Retirement Plan and the SERP is as follows:

	2010		2011		2012
B.P. Beecher
Retirement Plan	$	67,585	$	112,318	$	134,915
SERP	$	79,014	$	164,990	$	117,375
L.A. Delano
Retirement Plan		N/A	$	82,164	$	114,080
SERP		N/A	$	0	$	0
R.F. Gatz
Retirement Plan	$	76,114	$	98,693	$	95,610
SERP	$	17,367	$	54,200	$	18,977
M.E. Palmer
Retirement Plan	$	114,186	$	165,291	$	165,544
SERP	$	49,452	$	129,953	$	46,216
K.S. Walters
Retirement Plan	$	74,569	$	127,837	$	153,527
SERP	$	22,619	$	61,799	$	33,025

None of the Named Executive Officers participated in a non-qualified deferred compensation arrangement.

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(7)

Includes matching contributions under our 401(k) Retirement Plan and payment of term life insurance premiums as follows:

	2010		2011		20121
B.P. Beecher
401(k) Matching Contribution	$	7,727	$	7,972	$	7,500
Term Life premium	$	1,709	$	1,710	$	1,710
L.A. Delano
401(k) Matching Contribution		N/A	$	4,265	$	5,091
Term Life premium		N/A	$	774	$	774
R.F. Gatz
401(k) Matching Contribution	$	5,372	$	5,688	$	5,843
Term Life premium	$	2,609	$	2,686	$	3,924
M.E. Palmer
401(k) Matching Contribution	$	5,762	$	5,919	$	6,073
Term Life premium	$	2,008	$	3,833	$	3,924
K.S. Walters
401(k) Matching Contribution	$	5,158	$	6,122	$	7,232
Term Life premium	$	593	$	667	$	705

(8)

Includes perquisites and personal benefits if the aggregate value of such perquisites and personal benefits for each Named Executive Officer exceeds $10,000. Other Compensation for 2010 for Mr. Beecher, Mr. Palmer and Ms. Walters includes a tax "gross-up" of $1,222, $1,625, and $1,348 respectively, related to the provision of a medical examination. Perquisites and other personal benefits for 2010 for all other Named Executive Officers were not included in the Summary Compensation Table because the aggregate value, based upon the actual cost to Empire of the perquisites, did not exceed $10,000. Perquisites and other personal benefits for 2011 for Named Executive Officers were not included in the Summary Compensation Table because the aggregate value, based upon the actual cost to Empire of the perquisites, did not exceed $10,000. Other compensation for 2012 for Mr. Palmer includes a tax "gross-up" of $1,601 related to the provision of a medical examination. Perquisites and other personal benefits for 2012 for all other Named Executive Officers were not included in the Summary Compensation Table because the aggregate value, based upon the actual cost to Empire of the perquisites, did not exceed $10,000.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

        The following table shows information about plan-based awards granted during fiscal 2012 to the Named Executive Officers.

															All other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (#) (i)
			Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards(1)						Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards(2)							Grant Date Fair Value of Stock Awards(3) ($) (j)
Name (a)	Grant Date (b)		Threshold ($) (c)		Target ($) (d)		Maximum ($) (e)		Threshold (#) (f)		Target (#) (g)		Maximum (#) (h)
B.P. Beecher		02/06/2012		89,052		178,104		356,208									N/A
		02/06/2012								2,550		5,100		10,200			123,114
L.A. Delano		02/06/2012		31,092		62,183		124,366									N/A
		02/06/2012								400		800		1,600			19,312
R.F. Gatz		02/06/2012		34,248		68,495		136,990									N/A
		02/06/2012								400		800		1,600			19,312
M.E. Palmer		02/06/2012		35,600		71,199		142,398									N/A
		02/06/2012								450		900		1,800			21,726
K.S. Walters		02/06/2012		42,467		84,933		169,866									N/A
		02/06/2012								500		1,000		2,000			24,140

(1)

Represents cash award opportunities under our Executive Officer Annual Incentive Plan. As described above under "Limitations on Incentive Compensation," no AIP awards were paid in 2012 with respect to 2011 performance.

(2)

Represents awards of performance-based restricted stock.

(3)

In the case of performance-based restricted stock, represents the value of such awards at the grant date based upon the target level of performance, which is consistent with the estimate of the aggregate compensation cost to be recognized over the service period determined as of the grant date under FASB ASC Topic 718, excluding the effect of estimated forfeitures.

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Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table

Annual Cash Incentives

        Grants of awards under our Executive Officer Annual Incentive Plan are disclosed in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table in the year they are granted. The value of the award is disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table in the year when the performance criteria under the plan are satisfied and the compensation earned. For example, the amount set forth in the Summary Compensation Table for 2012 represents the award made in the beginning of 2012 to be paid in early 2013 based on the performance during 2012. As noted above, no awards were paid in early 2012 as a result of a limitation on incentive compensation in place in 2011. This limitation provided that, regardless of the extent to which any performance goals were met in any calendar year, no incentive compensation was to be provided to any executive for any year in which we did not pay dividends per share of common stock at least equal to the dividends per share paid in the preceding year. At the request of Ms. Delano and Mr. Palmer, their 2012 awards were paid in the form of Empire common stock rather than cash.

Performance-Based Restricted Stock

        Grants of awards of performance-based restricted stock and the grant date fair value (determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718) of such awards are disclosed in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table in the year they are granted. The grant date fair value of such awards is also disclosed under Stock Awards in the Summary Compensation Table in the year when the awards are made. The performance-based restricted share awards underlying the Stock Awards in the Summary Compensation Table for each Named Executive Officer are as follows:

	2010 Award		2011 Award		2012 Award
B.P. Beecher		1,300		1,100		5,100
L.A. Delano		N/A		N/A		800
R. F. Gatz		900		700		800
M.E. Palmer		900		800		900
K.S. Walters		900		900		1,000

Stock Options

        Grants of awards of options to purchase stock and the full grant date fair value (determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718) of such awards are disclosed in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table in the year they are granted. The grant date fair value of such awards is also disclosed under Option Awards in the Summary Compensation Table in the year when the awards are made. No awards of stock options have been made since 2010. The stock option awards underlying the Option Awards in the Summary Compensation Table for each Named Executive Officer are as follows:

	2010 Award
B.P. Beecher		3,500
L.A. Delano		N/A
R. F. Gatz		2,300
M.E. Palmer		2,400
K.S. Walters		2,300

Dividend Equivalents

        Grants of awards of dividend equivalents and the full grant date fair value (determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718) of such awards are disclosed in the Grants of Plan-Based

39

Awards Table in the year they are granted. The grant date fair value of such awards is also disclosed under Stock Awards in the Summary Compensation Table in the year when the awards are made. No awards of dividend equivalents have been made since 2010.

Time-Vested Restricted Stock

        Beginning in 2011, as discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis above, stock option and dividend equivalent awards were replaced with time-vested restricted stock awards. Grants of awards of time-vested restricted stock and the full grant date fair value (determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718) of such awards are disclosed in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table in the year they are granted. The grant date fair value of such awards is also disclosed under Stock Awards in the Summary Compensation Table in the year when the awards are made. No time-vested restricted shares were granted in 2012 due to the triggering during 2011 of the limitation on incentive compensation described in Note 1 to the "Summary Compensation Table". The time-vested restricted stock awards underlying the Stock Awards in the Summary Compensation Table for each Named Executive Officer are as follows:

	2011 Award
B.P. Beecher		1,100
L.A. Delano		N/A
R. F. Gatz		700
M.E. Palmer		700
K.S. Walters		800

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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

        The following table provides information with respect to the common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options and other awards under our existing equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2012.

	Option Awards									Stock Awards
Name (a)	Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable(1) (b)		Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable(2) (c)		Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options (#) (d)	Option Exercise Price ($) (e)		Option Expiration Date (f)		Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) (g)(3)		Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($) (h)(4)		Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested(5)(6) (#) (i)		Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested(7) ($) (j)
B.P. Beecher		3,500		0			22.770		02/02/2015		1,100		22,418		7,500		152,850
		3,600		0			22.230		02/01/2016						501		10,220
		8,400		0			23.805		01/31/2017
		0		3,500			18.355		02/03/2020
L.A. Delano(8)		N/A		N/A			N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A		800		16,304
R. F. Gatz		4,200		0			21.790		01/28/2014		700		14,266		2,400		48,912
		3,000		0			22.770		02/02/2015						329		6,716
		3,100		0			22.230		02/01/2016
		6,100		0			23.805		01/31/2017
		5,400		0			21.915		01/30/2018
		0		2,300			18.355		02/03/2020
M.E. Palmer		3,400		0			22.770		02/02/2015		700		14,266		2,600		52,988
		3,500		0			22.230		02/01/2016						343		7,008
		6,600		0			23.805		01/31/2017
		0		2,400			18.355		02/03/2020
K.S. Walters		5,600		0			23.805		01/31/2017		800		16,304		2,800		57,064
		0		2,300			18.355		02/03/2020						329		6,716

(1)

The vesting date for the exercisable options was (a) January 28, 2007, in the case of options with an expiration date of January 28, 2014, (b) February 2, 2008, in the case of options with an expiration date of February 2, 2015, (c) February 1, 2009, in the case of options with an expiration date of February 1, 2016, (d) January 31, 2010, in the case of options with an expiration date of January 31, 2017, and (e) January 30, 2011, in the case of options with an expiration date of January 30, 2018.

(2)

The vesting date for the unexercisable options is February 3, 2013, in the case of options with an expiration date of February 3, 2020.

(3)

Represents the number of shares attainable at fiscal year-end 2012 underlying the time-vested restricted stock granted in 2011.

(4)

Represents the value, based on the stock price at December 31, 2012, of the time-vested restricted stock listed in column (g).

(5)

The first number in column (i) represents the total number of shares attainable at the target level of performance for the 2010, 2011 and 2012 grants of performance-based restricted stock.

(6)

The second number in column (i) represents the number of shares attainable at fiscal year-end 2012 through the dividend equivalents awarded with the 2010 option grants. The number of shares is derived by dividing the accumulated value of the dividend equivalents by the closing price of our common stock at year-end.

(7)

The first number represents the value, based on the stock price at December 31, 2012, of the performance-based restricted stock listed in column (i) and the second number represents the value of the shares listed in column (i) attainable through dividend equivalents awarded with the 2010 option grants.

(8)

Ms. Delano was not eligible for equity awards prior to becoming an executive officer on August 1, 2011.

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Option Exercises and Stock Vested

        The following table provides information with respect to the number and value of shares acquired during 2012 from the exercise of vested stock options, dividend equivalents and the vesting of performance-based and time-vested stock awards.

	Option Awards				Stock Awards
Name (a)	Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) (b)		Value Realized on Exercise ($) (c)		Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting(1)(2) (#) (d)		Value Realized on Vesting ($) (e)
B.P. Beecher		381		8,039		1,279		26,849
L.A. Delano(2)		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
R. F. Gatz		254		5,359		875		18,368
M.E. Palmer		268		5,655		956		20,067
K.S. Walters		254		5,359		875		18,368

(1)

Represents the vesting of the following awards granted in 2009: performance-based restricted stock and dividend equivalents.

(2)

Ms. Delano was not eligible for equity awards prior to becoming an executive officer on August 1, 2011.

Pension Benefits

        We maintain The Empire District Electric Company Employees' Retirement Plan ("Retirement Plan") covering substantially all of our employees. The Retirement Plan is a noncontributory, trusteed pension plan designed to meet the requirements of Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. Each covered employee is eligible for retirement at normal retirement date (age 65), with early retirement at a reduced benefit level permitted under certain conditions. We also maintain The Empire District Electric Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP") which covers our officers who are participants in the Retirement Plan. We desire to provide a retirement benefit to our executive officers that is proportional, with respect to percentage of final average annual earnings, to the retirement benefit available to all other eligible employees. However the amount of average annual earnings that can be used to calculate retirement benefits under the Retirement Plan is restricted by Internal Revenue Code limitations. As explained below, the SERP is designed to restore retirement benefits an executive officer would otherwise lose due to such limitations. The SERP is not qualified under the Internal Revenue Code and benefits payable under the plan are paid out of our general funds.

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        The following table sets forth, with respect to each Named Executive Officer, the actuarial present value at December 31, 2012 of accumulated benefits under the Retirement Plan and the SERP, the number of years of credited service and the payments made under such plans during 2012.

Name (a)	Plan Name (b)	Number of Years Credited Service (#) (c)		Present Value of Accumulated Benefit(1) ($) (d)		Payments During Last Fiscal Year ($) (e)
B.P. Beecher	The Empire District Electric Company Employee's Retirement Plan		23.1		527,904		0
	The Empire District Electric Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan		23.1		414,761		0
L.A. Delano	The Empire District Electric Company Employee's Retirement Plan		20.8		420,016		0
	The Empire District Electric Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan		20.8		0		0
R.F. Gatz	The Empire District Electric Company Employee's Retirement Plan		11.8		475,007		0
	The Empire District Electric Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan		11.8		96,917		0
M.E. Palmer	The Empire District Electric Company Employee's Retirement Plan		26.6		856,665		0
	The Empire District Electric Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan		26.6		246,202		0
K.S. Walters	The Empire District Electric Company Employee's Retirement Plan		20.5		504,200		0
	The Empire District Electric Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan		20.5		120,470		0

(1)

Value represents Actuarial Present Value of age 65 monthly benefit. Assumed discount rate of 4.00%, no pre-retirement mortality or decrements, no collar adjustment and post-retirement mortality tables for males and females (projected on a static basis) required by the Pension Protection Act of 2006 and published by the Internal Revenue Service for funding valuations in 2012.

        Normal retirement under the Retirement Plan is age 65, or, for individuals hired after December 31, 1996 and within 5 years of their 65^th birthday, normal retirement will be the 5^th anniversary of their hire date. Retirement benefits are calculated based on credited service, average annual earnings, and Social Security covered compensation. The formula used to determine normal retirement benefits is as follows:

•

1.2625% of average annual earnings up to Social Security covered compensation times years of credited service up to 35 years, plus

•

1.64125% of average annual earnings in excess of Social Security covered compensation times years of credited service up to 35 years, plus

•

1.64125% of average annual earnings times years of credited service in excess of 35 years up to a maximum of 5 additional years of covered service.

        Earnings include base salary, cash incentive amounts, the value of performance-based restricted stock and time-vested restricted stock on the award date, and dividend equivalents. The 2012

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calculation of pension benefits was impacted by the triggering of the limitation on incentive compensation described above which reduced the level of pension-eligible incentive compensation that was considered in the benefit calculation. Average annual earnings is the average of annual earnings over the five consecutive years within the ten-year period prior to termination of employment which produces the highest average. Early retirement is available at age 55 with 5 years of eligibility service. The benefit is calculated in the same manner as the normal retirement benefit before applying early retirement reduction factors which reduce the normal retirement benefit by a certain percentage. For instance, the normal retirement benefit is reduced by 25% if an employee elects to retire at age 55. If an employee terminates employment after completing five years of vesting service (a plan year after age 18 in which the employee completes 1,000 hours of service), such employee is entitled to a benefit beginning at age 65. The benefit is calculated in the same manner as the normal retirement benefit. Forms of benefits include life only, and 25%, 33¹/3%, 66²/3%, or 75% joint and survivor ("J&S") benefits. Election of the J&S benefit (only available to married participants) has the effect of reducing the employee's benefit. The reduction is dependent on the employee's age, the spouse's age, and the J&S benefit percentage elected.

        Executive officers whose accrued benefit under the Retirement Plan is reduced by the limits set forth in Section 401 or Section 415 of the Internal Revenue Code, or whose anticipated earnings for any year exceed $120,000, become a participant in the SERP. Generally, benefits payable under the SERP equal the difference between the benefit calculated under the Retirement Plan without regard to Internal Revenue Code limitations, and the benefit calculated under the Retirement Plan as limited by the Internal Revenue Code. Actuarial equivalencies are determined in accordance with the actuarial assumptions set forth in the Retirement Plan.

        Ms. Delano is eligible for early retirement under the terms of the Retirement Plan. Mr. Palmer and Mr. Gatz are eligible for early retirement under the terms of the Retirement Plan and the SERP. The present value of Ms. Delano's, Mr. Palmer's, and Mr. Gatz's approximate early retirement benefit under the Retirement Plan, payable as a single life annuity and assuming retirement at December 31, 2012, is $555,245, $1,180,989, and $545,107, respectively. The present value of Mr. Palmer's and Mr. Gatz's approximate early retirement benefit under the SERP, payable as a single life annuity and assuming retirement at December 31, 2012, is $339,442 and $111,217, respectively. These amounts are not included in the table above.

Potential Payments upon Termination and Change in Control

        The Board of Directors adopted a Change In Control Severance Pay Plan ("Severance Plan") in 1991, amended most recently in 2008, that covers our executive officers as well as our other key employees who are not executive officers. The Severance Plan provides severance payments and other benefits upon involuntary or voluntary termination of employment after a Change In Control.

Change In Control

        A Change In Control will be deemed to have occurred if:

1.

A merger or consolidation of Empire with any other corporation is consummated, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in our voting securities held by such stockholders outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by converting into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than 75% of the voting securities of Empire or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation;



2.

A sale, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all the assets of Empire for the securities of another entity, cash or other property is consummated;

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3.

Empire stockholders approve a plan of liquidation or dissolution of Empire;



4.

Any person, other than a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of Empire or other than a corporation owned directly or indirectly by the stockholders of Empire in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of voting securities of Empire, is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of voting securities of Empire representing at least 25% of the total voting power represented by such securities then outstanding; or



5.

Individuals who on January 1, 2001 constituted the Empire Board of Directors and any new director whose election by the Empire Board of Directors or nomination for election by Empire's stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors on January 1, 2001 or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority thereof.

Involuntary Termination

        An involuntary termination is deemed to occur if (1) we terminate the employment of the executive officer or key employee within two years after a Change In Control other than for certain reasons (such as specified acts of willful misconduct, felony convictions or failure to perform duties) or (2) the executive officer or key employee terminates the employment within two years after a Change In Control and within 180 days after a material reduction or material change in responsibilities or authority, reassignment to another geographic location, or a reduction in base salary or incentive compensation or other benefits. Should an involuntary termination occur, an executive officer would be eligible under the Severance Plan for a payment equal to 36 months of compensation. This compensation is based on the executive officer's annual base salary in effect immediately prior to the date of termination plus the average of annual awards of incentive compensation made to the executive in the form of cash or restricted stock in the three calendar years immediately preceding the calendar year of the involuntary termination. Payments pursuant to an involuntary termination of employment are made in the form of a lump sum within 30 days following termination.

Voluntary Termination

        A voluntary termination is deemed to occur if the executive officer or key employee elects to terminate his or her employment between the first anniversary date of a Change In Control and the date that is 18 months after the Change In Control. In the case of a voluntary termination, the executive officer or key employee would be eligible for the same compensation as if it were an involuntary termination, with payment made in the form of a lump sum within 30 days following termination. In the event such executive officer becomes re-employed, including certain forms of self-employment, within the 36 month period following a voluntary termination, the executive officer is required to repay a pro-rata portion of the lump sum received under the Severance Plan to the Company.

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        Estimated lump-sum severance payments and other benefits payable to named executive officers in the event of a Change In Control based on involuntary termination are as follows:

Name	Severance Benefit ($)		Annual Incentive Bonus(1) ($)		Stock Options ($)		Dividend Equivalents ($)		Restricted Stock ($)		Benefits Continuation ($)		Excise Tax and Related Gross-Up ($)		Retirement Enhancement ($)		Total Change in Control Benefit ($)
B.P. Beecher		1,302,348		220,759		7,087		10,220		63,912		42,142		612,394		204,740		2,463,602
L.A. Delano		589,870		86,995		0		0		5,441		11,938		390,763		278,695		1,363,702
R.F. Gatz		780,244		83,050		4,657		6,716		24,069		11,938		396,570		237,910		1,545,154
M.E. Palmer		843,843		93,272		4,860		7,008		26,086		42,142		416,588		210,648		1,644,447
K.S. Walters		956,879		112,877		4,657		6,716		29,429		21,946		464,861		174,550		1,771,915

(1)

Represents cash incentive awards under the AIP that were earned by the NEO prior to the assumed involuntary termination date, but not paid.

        The amounts in the above table assume that the Change In Control and the involuntary termination occurred on December 31, 2012, and the price of our common stock was the closing market price on December 31, 2012. In order to receive Change in Control benefit payments outlined above, an executive officer is not required to satisfy any additional condition or obligation.

        Executive officers or key employees are eligible for continuation (under similar cost sharing arrangements as immediately prior to a Change In Control) of benefits and service credit for benefits they would have received had they remained an employee of Empire (in the case of involuntary termination of an executive officer, a period of 36 months or, in the case of a voluntary termination, for the period during which the executive officer is entitled to receive the other severance benefits). Benefits include medical, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Executive officers or key employees accumulate additional age and service credits as a result of a Change In Control equal to the period corresponding to the multiple used to calculate the severance benefit (e.g., 36 months in the case of an executive officer). Such executive officers or key employees are eligible to receive an enhanced retirement benefit equal to the difference between the retirement benefit they would receive (including Retirement Plan and SERP benefits) had they not received additional age and service credits and the retirement benefit they would receive when such additional age and service credits are included.

        All stock options granted become immediately exercisable in full and all time-vested restricted stock and performance-based restricted stock granted becomes immediately payable in full upon an involuntary or voluntary termination following a Change In Control. If any payments to qualifying individuals are subject to the excise tax on "excess parachute payments" under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code, such qualifying individual(s) will receive an additional gross-up amount designed to place them in the same after-tax position as if the excise tax had not been imposed.

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Director Compensation

        Our non-employee Directors received the following aggregate amounts of compensation during the year ended December 31, 2012.

Name (a)	Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) (b)		Stock Awards ($)(1) (c)		Option Awards ($) (d)		Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) (e)		Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings (f)		All Other Compensation ($)(2) (g)		Total ($) (h)
K.R. Allen		57,500		50,000		0		0		0		16,224		123,724
W.L. Gipson		58,000		50,000		0		0		0		3,828		111,828
R.C. Hartley		62,500		50,000		0		0		0		32,059		144,559
D.R. Laney		162,500		50,000		0		0		0		12,965		225,465
B.C. Lind		62,500		50,000		0		0		0		9,328		121,828
B.T. Mueller		68,000		50,000		0		0		0		20,798		138,798
T.M. Ohlmacher		60,000		50,000		0		0		0		3,803		113,803
P.R. Portney		62,000		50,000		0		0		0		7,731		120,231
H.J. Schmidt		55,000		50,000		0		0		0		6,199		111,199
C.J. Sullivan(3)		55,000		50,000		0		0		0		6,501		111,501

(1)

Represents the annual award accrued to each Director under the Stock Unit Plan for Directors.

(2)

Represents dividends paid on accrued stock units earned under the Stock Unit Plan for Directors and interest on fees accumulated quarterly for Mr. Sullivan.

(3)

Mr. Sullivan has elected to receive 100% of his Director compensation in Empire common stock under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan. The entire amount of $55,000 listed in column (b) was paid in the form of common stock. He receives prime rate interest on his earned fees until the shares of common stock are issued quarterly. He earned $302 in interest in 2012 which is included in column (g).

        An analysis of the fees and retainers earned by the non-employee Directors in 2012 is provided in the following table:

Name (a)	Annual Retainer ($) (b)		Chairman and Committee Chair Fees ($) (c)		Director Training Fees ($) (d)		Annual Award of Stock Units ($) (e)		All Other Compensation ($) (f)		Total ($) (g)
K.R. Allen		55,000		2,500		0		50,000		16,224		123,724
W.L. Gipson		55,000		0		3,000		50,000		3,828		111,828
R.C. Hartley		55,000		7,500		0		50,000		32,059		144,559
D.R. Laney		55,000		107,500		0		50,000		12,965		225,465
B.C. Lind		55,000		7,500		0		50,000		9,328		121,828
B.T. Mueller		55,000		10,000		3,000		50,000		20,798		138,798
T.M. Ohlmacher		55,000		5,000		0		50,000		3,803		113,803
P.R. Portney		55,000		7,500		0		50,000		7,731		120,231
H.J. Schmidt		55,000		0		0		50,000		6,199		111,199
C.J. Sullivan		55,000		0		0		50,000		6,501		111,501

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Narrative to Director Compensation Table

        For 2012, each Director who was not an officer or full-time employee of Empire was paid a monthly retainer for his or her services as a Director at a rate of $55,000 per annum which increased to $65,000 effective January 1, 2013. The Chairman of each Committee received an additional annual retainer of $7,500 ($10,000 for the Chairman of the Audit Committee). The Chairman of the Board received an additional annual retainer of $100,000. One-twelfth of the annual retainers for the Directors, the Committee Chairman, and the Chairman of the Board are paid each month that the Director serves in that position. In addition, each non-employee Director is paid a $1,000 per day fee in the event an individual Committee or the Board meets more than 10 times per year and a $1,000 per day stipend for outside training.

        Our 2006 Stock Incentive Plan permits our Directors to receive shares of common stock in lieu of all or a portion of any cash payment for services rendered as a Director. In addition, a Director may defer all or part of any compensation payable for his or her services under the terms of our Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors. Amounts so deferred are credited to an account for the benefit of the Director and accrue an interest equivalent at a rate equal to the prime rate. A Director is entitled to receive all amounts deferred in a number of annual installments following retirement, as elected by him or her.

        In addition to the cash retainer and fees for non-employee Directors, we maintain a Stock Unit Plan for non-employee Directors, which we refer to as the Stock Unit Plan, to provide Directors the opportunity to accumulate compensation in the form of common stock units. When implemented in 1998, the Stock Unit Plan provided Directors the opportunity to convert cash retirement benefits earned under our prior cash retirement plan for Directors into common stock units. All eligible Directors who had benefits under the prior cash retirement plan converted their cash retirement benefits to common stock units. Each common stock unit earns dividends in the form of common stock units and can be redeemed for one share of common stock upon retirement or death of the Director, or on a date elected in advance by the Director with respect to awards made on or after January 1, 2006. The number of units granted annually is calculated by dividing the annual contribution rate, which is either the annual retainer fee or such other amount as is established by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, by the fair-market value of our common stock on January 1 of the year the units are granted. The annual contribution rate for 2012 was $50,000 and increased to $55,000 effective January 1, 2013. Common stock unit dividends are computed based on the fair market value of our common stock on the dividend's record date. During 2012, 21,325 units were converted to common stock by retired and current Directors, 23,563 units were granted for services provided in 2012 (based on an annual contribution rate of $50,000), and 6,864 units were granted pursuant to the provisions of the plan providing for the reinvestment of dividends on stock units in additional stock units.

        In accordance with Empire's Corporate Governance Guidelines, Empire encourages Directors to attend education programs relating to the responsibilities of directors of public companies. The expenses for the Directors to attend these courses are paid by Empire. Empire reimburses Directors for expenses incurred in connection with their position as a Director including the reimbursement of expenses for transportation. Empire maintains $250,000 of business travel accident insurance for non-employee Directors while traveling on Empire business.

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5. TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS

Transactions with Related Persons

        There were no reportable transactions with related persons during 2012.

Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons

        Our Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee has adopted a written Policy and Procedures with Respect to Related Person Transactions (the "Policy"). The Policy is available on our website at www.empiredistrict.com. The Policy provides that any proposed Related Person Transaction be submitted to the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee for consideration. In determining whether or not to approve the transaction, the Policy provides that the Committee shall consider all of the relevant facts and circumstances available to the Committee, including (if applicable) but not limited to: the benefits to us; the impact on a Director's independence; the availability of other sources for comparable products or services; the terms of the transaction; and the terms available to unrelated third parties or to employees generally. The Policy provides that the Committee will approve only those Related Person Transactions that are in, or are not inconsistent with, the best interests of Empire and its stockholders, as the Committee determines in good faith.

        For purposes of the Policy, a "Related Person Transaction" is a transaction, arrangement or relationship (or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships) in which Empire (including any of its subsidiaries) was, is or will be a participant and the amount involved exceeds $25,000, and in which any Related Person had, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest.

        For purposes of the Policy, a "Related Person" means:

1.

any person who is, or at any time since the beginning of our last fiscal year was, a Director or executive officer or a nominee to become a Director of Empire;



2.

any person who is known to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of our voting securities; and



3.

any immediate family member of any of the foregoing persons, which means any child, stepchild, parent, stepparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law of the Director, executive officer, nominee or more than 5% beneficial owner, and any person (other than a tenant or employee) sharing the household of such Director, executive officer, nominee or more than 5% beneficial owner.

        The policy specifically provides that transactions involving the rendering of services by us (in our capacity as a public utility) to a Related Person at rates or charges fixed in conformity with law or governmental authority will not be considered Related Person Transactions.

6. OTHER MATTERS

Audit Committee Report

        The Audit Committee reviews Empire's financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors. In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements to be included in the 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K with Empire's management and the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ("Independent Auditors"). Management is responsible for the financial statements and the reporting process, as well as maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and assessing such effectiveness. The Independent Auditors are responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of those audited financial statements with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, as well as expressing an opinion on whether Empire maintained effective internal control over financial reporting.

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        The Audit Committee has discussed with the Independent Auditors the matters required to be discussed by the statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended (AICPA, Professional Standards, Vol. 1. AU section 380), as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T. In addition, the Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the Independent Auditors required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the Independent Auditors' communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with the Independent Auditors, the auditor's independence. The Audit Committee has considered whether the services provided by the Independent Auditors in 2012, described in this proxy statement, are compatible with maintaining the auditor's independence and has concluded that the auditor's independence has not been impaired by its engagement to perform these services.

        In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in Empire's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

B. Thomas Mueller, Chairman
Kenneth R. Allen
Ross C. Hartley
Bonnie C. Lind

Fees Billed by Our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm During Each of the Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011

        Representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP are expected to be present at the meeting for the purpose of answering questions which any stockholder may wish to ask, and such representatives will have an opportunity to make a statement at the meeting.

Audit Fees

        The aggregate fees billed by our Independent Auditors for professional services rendered in connection with the audit of our financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, the audit of our internal control over financial reporting, the review of our interim financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as well as services provided in connection with certain of our equity and debt offerings, totaled $929,275 for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to $773,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Audit-Related Fees

        The aggregate fees billed by our Independent Auditors for audit-related services during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 totaled $690,000 and $60,000, respectively, related to services provided by PwC in connection with a planned information system implementation and accounting consultations.

Tax Fees

        There were no fees billed by our Independent Auditors for tax services during each of the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.

All Other Fees

        No other fees were billed by our Independent Auditors during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.

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Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

        All auditing services and non-audit services provided to us by our Independent Auditors must be pre-approved by the Audit Committee (other than the de minimis exceptions provided by the Exchange Act). All of the Audit, Audit-Related, Tax Fees and All Other Fees shown above for 2012 and 2011 satisfied these Audit Committee procedures.

Communications with the Board of Directors

        The Board of Directors provides a process for interested parties (including security holders) to send communications to the Board, including those communications intended for non-management or independent Directors. These procedures may be found on our website at www.empiredistrict.com.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

        Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our Directors and executive officers to file reports of changes in ownership of our equity securities with the SEC and the NYSE. SEC regulations require that Directors and executive officers furnish to us copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. To our knowledge, based solely on review of the copies of such reports furnished to us and written representations that no other reports were required, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, all our executive officers and Directors complied with applicable Section 16(a) filing requirements.

Other Business

        At the date of this proxy statement, the Board of Directors has no knowledge of any business other than that described herein which will be presented for consideration at the meeting. In the event any other business is presented at the meeting, the persons named in the enclosed proxy will vote such proxy thereon in accordance with their judgment in the best interests of Empire and its stockholders.

7. STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2014 ANNUAL MEETING

        The 2014 Annual Meeting is tentatively scheduled to be held on May 1, 2014. Specific proposals of stockholders intended to be presented at that meeting (1) must comply with the requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and our Articles of Incorporation, and (2) if intended to be included in our proxy materials for the 2014 Annual Meeting, must be received at Empire's principal office not later than November 13, 2013. If the date of the 2014 Annual Meeting is changed by more than 30 days from May 1, 2014, stockholders will be advised of such change and of the new date for submission of proposals. If a stockholder intends to submit a proposal that is not to be included in our proxy materials for the 2014 Annual Meeting, the stockholder must give us notice of not less than 35 days and no more than 50 days before the date of the 2014 Annual Meeting in accordance with the requirements set forth in our Articles of Incorporation.

8. HOUSEHOLDING

        Pursuant to the SEC rules regarding delivery of proxy statements, annual reports or Notice of Internet availability of proxy materials to stockholders sharing the same address, we may deliver a single proxy statement, annual report or Notice of Internet availability of proxy materials to an address shared by two or more of our stockholders. This delivery method is referred to as "householding" and can result in significant cost savings for us. In order to take advantage of this opportunity, we may have delivered only one proxy statement, annual report or Notice of Internet availability of proxy materials to multiple stockholders who share an address, unless we received contrary instructions from the impacted stockholders prior to the mailing date. We undertake to deliver promptly, upon written or oral request, a separate copy of the proxy statement, annual report or Notice of Internet availability of proxy materials, as requested, to any stockholder at the shared address to which a single copy of those

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documents was delivered. If you prefer to receive separate copies of a proxy statement, annual report or Notice of Internet availability of proxy materials, either now or in the future, send your request in writing to us at the following address: Investor Relations Department, The Empire District Electric Company, 602 S. Joplin Avenue, Joplin, Missouri 64801.

        If you are currently a stockholder sharing an address with another stockholder and wish to have your future proxy statements and annual reports householded (i.e., receive only one copy of each document for your household), please contact us at the above address.

9. ELECTRONIC PROXY VOTING

        Registered stockholders can vote their shares via (1) a toll-free telephone call from the U.S.; (2) the Internet; or (3) by mailing their signed proxy card. The telephone and Internet voting procedures are designed to authenticate stockholders' identities, to allow stockholders to vote their shares and to confirm that their instructions have been properly recorded. Specific instructions to be followed by any registered stockholder interested in voting via telephone or the Internet are set forth on the enclosed proxy card.

10. INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS

        This year, we are once again pleased to be using the new U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission rule that allows companies to furnish their proxy materials over the Internet. As a result, we are mailing to many of our stockholders a notice about the Internet availability of the proxy materials instead of a paper copy of the proxy materials. All stockholders receiving the notice will have the ability to access the proxy materials over the Internet. They may also request to receive a paper copy of the proxy materials by mail. Instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the Internet or to request a paper copy may be found on the notice.

        The proxy statement and 2012 Annual Report are available online at www.ematerials.com/ede.    Please have the 3-digit company number, 11-digit control number and the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number available in order to vote your proxy. The 3-digit company number and 11-digit control number are located in the box in the upper right hand corner on the front of the proxy card and the Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials.

11. DIRECTIONS TO THE ANNUAL MEETING

        Directions to the Annual Meeting being held at the Holiday Inn, 3615 South Range Line, Joplin, Missouri, are as follows:

To Joplin from the West: Take I-44 East to Exit 8B. Merge onto US-71 BUS N/S Range Line Road for about 0.4 miles. Turn right onto Hammons Boulevard. The Holiday Inn will be on the right.

To Joplin from the North: From MO-171, turn South onto S. Madison Street. Travel 1.2 miles. Continue on Range Line Road for 5 miles. Turn left onto Hammons Boulevard, just before the I-44 intersection. The Holiday Inn will be on the right.

To Joplin from the East: Take I-44 West to Exit 8B. Make right onto Range Line Road and turn right immediately onto Hammons Boulevard. The Holiday Inn will be on the right.

Dated: March 13, 2013

It is important that proxies be returned promptly. Therefore, stockholders are urged to either vote the proxy through the Internet or by telephone or sign, date and return the proxy in the envelope provided, to which no postage need be affixed if mailed in the united states. A stockholder who plans to attend the meeting in person may withdraw the proxy and vote at the meeting.

52

APPENDIX A

        Listed below are the names of the companies that participated in the national market survey compiled by the compensation Consultant. The number of parent organizations participating in the survey was over 500.

7-Eleven

A.H. Belo—Dallas Morning News, The

AAI

Abercrombie & Fitch

Ace Hardware

ACE INA

ACUITY

Advance Auto Parts

AEGON

Aeropostale

AES

Aetna

AFC Enterprises

Ahold USA—Stop & Shop Supermarket

Air Liquide America

Air Products

AK Steel

Akzo Nobel—Functional Chemicals

Alex Lee

Alexander & Baldwin

Alliant Techsystems

Almatis

Alticor

Altria Group

Amcor—Amcor PET Packaging

American Crystal Sugar

American Eagle Outfitters

American Enterprise Group

American Institute of Graphic Arts

American National Insurance

Amerigroup

Amsted Industries—Consolidated Metco

Anaheim Public Utilities

Andersons, The

Anheuser-Busch

AnnTaylor Stores

Applebee's International

Aramark

ArcelorMittal

Arch Chemicals

Argonne National Laboratory

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield

ArvinMeritor

Ashland

Associated Materials

Assurant—Assurant Health

Atmos Energy

AutoZone

Avista

Baker Petrolite

Bank of Montreal—Harris Bancorp

BASF

Belk

Benihana

BEP Colorado Restaurants

Best Buy

Blockbuster

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, MO

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts

Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina

Blue Shield of California

Bluestar Silicones

Bob Evans Farms

Boddie-Noell Enterprises

BoJangles' Restaurants

Bon-Ton Stores, The

Boston Beer

Boston Market

Briad Group

Brinker International

Brown-Forman

Buca

Buckman Laboratories

Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffet Partners

Buffets

Bunge

Burger King

Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway

C&S Wholesale Grocers

Cabot

Calgon Carbon

California Independent System Operator

Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority

CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield

Caribou Coffee

Carlson Restaurants Worldwide

Carrols Restaurant Group

Carter's

Carus Chemical

Caterpillar

Cato

CBC Restaurant

CBRL Group

CDX Gas

CEC Entertainment

Centene

CenterPoint Energy

Champion Technologies

Checkers Drive-In Restaurants

Cheesecake Factory

Chemtura

Chevron Phillips Chemical

Chicago Mercantile Exchange

Chico's FAS

Children's Place, The

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chiquita Brands International

CHS

Ciba Specialty Chemicals

CIGNA

Circuit City Stores

City of Austin—Austin Energy

CKE Restaurants

Claim Jumper Restaurants

Clariant

Coach

Cognis

A-1

Colgate-Palmolive

Collective Brands

Collin County

Colorado Springs Utilities

Comcast Cable Communications

Concessions International

ConnectiCare

Constellation Brands

Cooper Industries

Costco Wholesale

Coty

COUNTRY Insurance & Financial Services

Coventry Health Care

CPS Energy

Crate and Barrel

Culvers Franchising System

CUNA Mutual

Curtiss-Wright

CVS/Caremark

D&B

Dal-Tile

Darden Restaurants

Dave & Buster's

Deere

Del Monte Foods

Delta Dental Plan of Colorado

Denny's

Diageo North America

Dick's Sporting Goods

Dollar General

Dollar Tree Stores

Dominion Resources

Domino's Pizza

Donatos Pizzeria

Dow Chemical

Dow Corning

Dow Reichhold Specialty Latex

DPL

Duke and King Acquisition

Dunkin' Brands

DuPage County Government

E & J Gallo Winery

E. I. du Pont de Nemours

East Bay Municipal Utility District, CA

Eastman Chemical

Eat'n Park Hospitality Group

Eaton

El Pollo Loco

Electric Reliability Council of Texas

ElectriCities of North Carolina

Employers Mutual Casualty

Energy Future Holdings

Envision

Erie Insurance Group

Esmark

Express

Exterran

Fabri-Kal

Fairplex

Fallon Community Health Plan

Family Dollar Stores

Famous Dave's of America

Fazoli's System Management

FBL Financial Group

FedEx—FedEx Express

Fired Up

Flowserve

FMC

Foot Locker

Friendly Ice Cream

Frisch's Restaurants

Fuller Foundation

GameStop

Gap

Garden Fresh Restaurants

Gardener's Supply

Gardner Denver

GenCorp

GEO Specialty Chemicals

Georgia Baptist Foundation

Georgia Gulf

Global Aero Logistics

Global Cash Access

Golden Corral

Goodrich

Great Plains Energy—Kansas City Power & Light

Group Health Cooperative

Gymboree

H.B. Fuller

h.h. gregg

Hallmark Cards

Hard Rock Café Restaurants

Harleysville Group

Harris Holdings

Harris Teeter

Harvard Pilgrim

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates

Health Care Service

Health Net

Health New England

Health Partners

HealthPartners

HealthSpring

Heaven Hill Distilleries

Hercules

Hershey Foods

Hexion Specialty Chemicals

Hilcorp Energy

Hillwood Development

HMS Host

Home Depot, The

Hooters of America

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

Hormel Foods

Hot Topic

Huhtamaki

IHOP

Ilitch Holdings—Little Caesar Enterprises

Illinois Tool Works

Independence Blue Cross

Independent Bank

Ingersoll-Rand

Innophos

In-N-Out Burger

Institute of Nuclear Power Operations

International Copper Association

International Dairy Queen

International Flavors & Fragrances

Iroquois Pipeline

J. C. Penney

J.Crew

Jack in the Box

Jacmar—Shakey's USA

JEA

Jewelers Mutual Insurance

Jewelry Television

Johnny Rockets Group

Joy Global

K & W Cafeterias

Kaiser Foundation Health Plan

Kansas City Life Insurance

A-2

Kellogg

Kennametal

Kforce

Kinder Morgan

King Pharmaceuticals

Knoxville Utilities Board

Kohl's

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Krystal Companies, The

L.L. Bean

La Madeleine de Corps

Landauer

Landmark Education

Legal Sea Foods

Lehigh Hanson

Lennox International

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, The

LifeWay Christian Resources

Limited Brands

Limited Stores

Liz Claiborne

Logan's Roadhouse

LOMA

Lord & Taylor

L'Oreal USA

Louisiana Workers' Compensation

Lowe's

Lubrizol

M&T Bank

Macy's

Maidenform Brands

Main Street America Group, The

Make-a-Wish Foundation of America

Marmon Group—Union Tank Car

Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants

Masterfoods USA

Matthews International

Mazzio's

McCormick & Company

McDonald's

McGraw-Hill

MeadWestvaco

Medco Health Solutions

Medicines

Meijer

Memphis Light, Gas & Water

Mervyns

MetLife

Metromedia Restaurant Group

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

Metso Minerals Industries

Michaels Stores

Micro Electronics

Mid-Continent Research for Education and Learning

Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator

Millennium Inorganic Chemicals

Minnkota Power Cooperative

Mirant

Missouri Employers' Mutual Insurance

Modine Manufacturing

Molson Coors Brewing

Montana Dakota Utility

Moog

Morton's Restaurant Group

Mosaic

Multiplan

Mutual of America

MVP Health Care

NACCO Materials Handling

Nashville Electric Service

National Shooting Sports Foundation

Neighborhood Health Plan

Nestle USA

New Jersey Transit

New York & Company

New York City Department of Education

New York Community Bancorp

New York Independent System Operator

New York Power Authority

Newark InOne

NewMarket

Noranda Aluminum

Nordstrom

NOVA Chemicals

Novo Nordisk

NPC

NRT

Nuvelo

Occidental Petroleum—Occidental Chemical

Ocean Spray Cranberries

O'Charley's

Office Depot

OfficeMax

Olathe Health Systems

Old Dominion Electric Cooperative

Orbital Sciences

Orchid Ceramics

Orlando Utilities Commission

P.F. Chang's China Bistro

Panda Restaurant Group

Panera Bread

Papa Gino's

Papa John's International

Pappas Restaurants

Penn National Insurance

Pepsi Bottling Group

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery

Pernod Ricard SA—Pernod Ricard USA

Philip Morris International

Phillips-Van Heusen

Piedmont Natural Gas

Pier 1 Imports

PJM Interconnection

Platte River Power Authority

Ply Gem Siding Group

Polo Ralph Lauren

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

Portland General Electric

Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan

Potbelly Sandwich Works

Powersouth

PPG Industries

Praxair

Premera Blue Cross

Premier

Primesouth

Protestant Guild for Human Services

Public Works Commission of the City of Fayetteville, North Carolina

Quiznos Master

RadioShack

Raising Cane's Restaurants

A-3

Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals

Real Mex Restaurants

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers

Regence Group

Restaurants Unlimited

Restoration Hardware

Retail Ventures—DSW

Retail Ventures—Value City Department Stores

RGA Reinsurance

Rhodia

Riverside Public Utilities

Rock Bottom Restaurants

Rockwell Collins

Rohm and Haas

Round Table Pizza

Ruby Tuesday

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sacramento Municipal Utilities District

Safe Auto Insurance

Sagittarius Brands

SAIF

Saint-Gobain

Saks

San Diego County Water Authority

Sanofi Pasteur

Santee Cooper

Sasol North America

Sazerac

Scottish Re

Sears Holdings

Securian

Securities America

Security Mutual Life Insurance of New York

Sepracor

Shepherd Chemical

ShopKo Stores—ShopKo Stores

ShoreBank

Sierra Southwest Co-Op Services

Snohomish County, WA—Snohomish County Public Utility District

Solvay America

Sonic Automotive

Sonic Restaurants

Sonoco Products

South Jersey Industries

Southeast Corporate

Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency

Southern Star Concrete

Southern Union

Southwest Gas

Southwest Power Pool

Sports Authority, The

Stage Stores

Staples

Starboard Cruise Services

Starbucks

Steak 'n Shake

Sterling Chemicals

Subaru of America

SUEZ Energy

Summa Health System—SummaCare

Sunoco—Chemical

SuperValu

Supresta

Survey Sampling International

Swarovski (D.)—Swarovski North America

T.D. Williamson

Taco John's International

Target

Tarrant County

Tate & Lyle Americas

Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants

Thomas & King

Tipp Enterprises—Novamex

TJX Companies

Tommy Hilfiger

Toyota Material Handling, USA

Toys "R" Us

Travis County Human Resources Management

Tredegar

Triarc Restaurant Group

Tronox

Trustmark Insurance

Tufts Health Plan

Tween Brands

Tyson Foods

Umicore

Union Pacific

United Church of Christ

United States Steel

United Stationers

UnitedHealth Group

Unitil

Universal Parks & Resorts

University of Southern California

University of Tennessee

Uno Restaurant Holding

Voith—Voith Premier Manufacturing Support Services

Wackenhut Services

Wal-Mart Stores

Warner Chilcott

Watson Pharmaceuticals

Wawa

Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield

Wendy's

West Ed

Weston Solutions

Whataburger

White Castle System

Williams Companies

Williams-Sonoma

Workers Compensation Fund

YRC Worldwide

Yum!

Zale

ZF North American Operations

A-4

Shareowner Services
P.O. Box 64945
St. Paul, MN 55164-0945

COMPANY #

THE EMPIRE DISTRICT ELECTRIC COMPANY

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

April 25, 2013
10:30 a.m. CDT

Holiday Inn

3615 South Range Line
Joplin, Missouri 64804

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the

Stockholder Meeting to be Held on April 25, 2013.

Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of The Empire District Electric Company will be held at the Holiday Inn, 3615 South Range Line, Joplin, Missouri on April 25, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. CDT.

Under Securities and Exchange Commission rules, you are receiving this notice that the proxy materials for the Annual Meeting are available on the Internet. Directions to The Empire District Electric Company 2013 Annual Meeting are available in the Proxy Statement which can be viewed at www.ematerials.com/ede and on the reverse side of this notice.

This communication presents only an overview of the more complete proxy materials that are available to you on the Internet. We encourage you to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials before voting.

The Proxy Statement and 2012 Annual Report are available at www.ematerials.com/ede.

If you want to receive a paper copy of these documents or an email with a link to the electronic copies, you must request one.  There is no charge to you for requesting a copy.  Although proxy materials will continue to be available after the meeting, please make your request for a copy as instructed on the reverse side of this notice on or before April 12, 2013 to facilitate timely delivery in advance of the Annual Meeting.

Matters intended to be acted upon at the meeting are listed below.

The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR Items 1, 2 and 3 and AGAINST Item 4.

1.To elect three Directors for terms of three years:

01 Ross C. Hartley                   02 Herbert J. Schmidt                   03 C. James Sullivan

2.To ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Empire’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013.

3.To vote upon a non-binding advisory proposal to approve the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in the proxy statement.

4.To vote upon a stockholder proposal, if properly presented, requesting the Company prepare a report on plans to
reduce risk throughout its energy portfolio by pursuing cost effective energy efficiency resources.

5.To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or at any adjournment or adjournments thereof.

THIS IS NOT A FORM FOR VOTING

You may immediately vote your proxy on the Internet at:

www.eproxy.com/ede

·Use the Internet to vote your proxy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, until 11:59 p.m. (CDT) on April 24, 2013.

·Please have this Notice and the last four digits of your Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number
available. Follow the instructions to vote your proxy.

Your Internet vote authorizes the Named Proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.

To request paper copies of the proxy materials, which include the proxy card,
proxy statement and annual report, please contact us via:

	Internet — Access the Internet and go to www.ematerials.com/ede.  Follow the instructions to log in, and order copies.
	Telephone — Call us free of charge at 866-697-9377 in the U.S. or Canada, using a touch-tone phone, and follow the instructions to log in and order copies.
	Email — Send us an email at  ep@ematerials.com with “EDE Materials Request” in the subject line. The email must include:
	·The 3-digit company # and the 11-digit control # located in the box in the upper right hand corner on the front of this notice. ·Your preference to receive printed materials via mail -or- to receive an email with links to the electronic materials. ·If you choose email delivery you must include the email address. ·If you would like this election to apply to delivery of material for all future meetings, write the word “Permanent” and include the last 4 digits of your Tax IDnumber in the email.

Directions to the Annual Meeting being held at the Holiday Inn, 3615 South Range Line, Joplin, Missouri:

To Joplin from the West: Take I-44 East to Exit 8B. Merge onto US-71 BUS N/S Range Line Road for about 0.4 miles. Turn right onto Hammons Boulevard. The Holiday Inn will be on the right.

To Joplin from the North: From MO-171, turn South onto S. Madison Street. Travel 1.2 miles. Continue on Range Line Road for 5 miles. Turn left onto Hammons Boulevard, just before the I-44 intersection. The Holiday Inn will be on the right.

To Joplin from the East: Take I-44 West to Exit 8B. Make right onto Range Line Road and turn right immediately onto Hammons Boulevard. The Holiday Inn will be on the right.

Shareowner Services P.O. Box 64945 St. Paul, MN 55164-0945

	COMPANY # Vote by Internet, Telephone or Mail 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week Your phone or Internet vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.
	INTERNET – www.eproxy.com/ede Use the Internet to vote your proxy until 11:59 p.m. (CDT) on April 24, 2013. Please have your Social Security Number or Tax ID Number available.
	PHONE – 1-800-560-1965 Use a touch-tone telephone to vote your proxy until 11:59 p.m. (CDT) on April 24, 2013. Please have your Social Security Number or Tax ID Number available.
	MAIL — Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we’ve provided or return it to THEEMPIREDISTRICTELECTRICCOMPANY, c/o Shareowner Services, P.O. Box 64873, St. Paul, MN 55164-0873.
If you vote your proxy by Internet or by Telephone, you do NOT need to mail back your Proxy Card.

TO VOTE BY MAIL AS THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS ON ALL ITEMS BELOW,
SIMPLY SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD.

The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote FOR Items 1, 2 and 3 and AGAINST Item 4.

1. Election of three Directors for terms of three years: 01 Ross C. Hartley 02 Herbert J. Schmidt 03 C. James Sullivan oVote FOR all nominees
(except as marked) oVote WITHHELD from all nominees

(Instructions: To withhold authority to vote for any indicated nominee, write the number(s) of the nominee(s) in the box provided to the right.)
2.	To ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Empire’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013.	oFor	oAgainst	oAbstain
3.	To vote upon a non-binding advisory proposal to approve the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in the proxy statement.	oFor	oAgainst	oAbstain
4.	To vote upon a stockholder proposal, if properly presented, requesting the Company prepare a report on plans to reduce risk throughout its energy portfolio by pursuing cost effective energy efficiency resources.	oFor	oAgainst	oAbstain
5.	Upon any other matter which may come before the meeting in their discretion.

THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, WILL BE VOTED FORPROPOSALS 1, 2 AND 3 AND AGAINST PROPOSAL 4.

Address Change? Mark Box  o  Indicate changes below:	Date
	Signature(s) in Box Please sign exactly as your name(s) appears on the Proxy. If held in joint tenancy, all persons should sign. Trustees, administrators, etc., should include title and authority. Corporations should provide full name of corporation and title of authorized officer signing the Proxy.

TWO ADDITIONAL WAYS TO VOTE

Vote by Internet It’s fast, convenient, and your vote is immediately confirmed and registered.
Go to Web site: www.eproxy.com/ede Follow these three easy steps: · Read the accompanying Proxy Statement and Proxy Card. · Go to Web site www.eproxy.com/ede · Follow the simple instructions. Vote by Telephone It’s fast, convenient, and your vote is immediately confirmed and registered.
Call toll-free on a touch-tone phone in the
U.S. or Canada: 1-800-560-1965 Follow these three easy steps: · Read the accompanying Proxy Statement and Proxy Card. · Call the toll-free phone number above. · Follow the simple instructions.

VOTE 24 HOURS A DAY

DO NOT RETURN PROXY CARD IF YOU ARE VOTING BY INTERNET OR TELEPHONE

You are cordially invited to attend the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on Thursday, April 25, 2013, at 10:30 A.M. (Central Daylight Time), at the Holiday Inn, 3615 South Range Line, Joplin, Missouri.

It is important that these shares are represented at this meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, please review the enclosed proxy materials. You may vote by telephone or Internet or you may sign, date and return this proxy card.

The Empire District Electric Company 602 S. Joplin Avenue Joplin, MO 64801 proxy

This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors for use at the Annual Meeting on April 25, 2013.

If no choice is specified, the proxy will be voted FOR Items 1, 2 and 3 and AGAINST Item 4.

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints B. P. Beecher, L. A. Delano and J. S. Watson, and each of them, as proxies with power of substitution, and hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote, in accordance with the instructions on the reverse side, all shares of Common Stock of The Empire District Electric Company that the undersigned may be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the Holiday Inn, 3615 South Range Line, Joplin, Missouri, on April 25, 2013, at 10:30 A.M. (CDT), or any adjournment thereof.

This proxy also provides voting instructions for shares held by FIDELITY MANAGEMENT TRUST COMPANY, TRUSTEE FOR THE EMPIRE DISTRICT ELECTRIC COMPANY 401(K) PLAN AND ESOP, and directs such Trustee to vote, as indicated on the reverse side of this card, any shares allocated to the account in the Plan. The Trustee will vote these shares as you direct. If no direction is given to the Trustee, the Plan’s Trustee will vote your shares held in the Plan in the same proportion as votes received from other participants in the Plan.

This proxy/voting instruction card is solicited pursuant to a separate Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged. For registered shares, this card should be voted, by Internet, telephone or mail, in time to reach the Company’s proxy tabulator, Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, by 11:59 P.M. (CDT) on Wednesday, April 24, 2013. For shares allocable to the 401(k) Plan and ESOP, this card should be voted by 11:59 P.M. (CDT) on Monday, April 22, 2013. Individual proxy voting and voting instructions will be kept confidential.

See reverse for voting instructions.