X0201 42003-09-17 0000032689 EMPIRE DISTRICT ELECTRIC CO EDE 0001106138 HARTLEY ROSS C THE EMPIRE DISTRICT ELECTRIC COMPANY 602 JOPLIN STREET JOPLIN MO 64801 1000Phantom Stock Units02003-09-174A0171.15421.66ACommon Stock171.15411756.128DShares of Phantom Stock units are awarded to director pursuant to Stock Unit Plan for Directors.Shares of Phantom Stock units are exercisable upon retirement or death and do not expire.Janet S. Watson Attorney-In-Fact2003-09-19