8-K 1 revempire8k.txt FORM 8-K UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 2, 2002 THE EMPIRE DISTRICT ELECTRIC COMPANY -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) Kansas -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) 1-3368 44-0236370 --------------------------------- --------------------------------------- (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification Number) 602 Joplin Street, Joplin, Missouri 64801 ---------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (417) 625-5100 ---------------------------- Not applicable -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Former name or former address, if changed since last report) 2 Item 5 Other Events Attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 is a press release, which is incorporated by reference herein, issued by the Company on July 2, 2002 relating to the announcement of a new rating by Standard & Poor's. Attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2 is a press release, which is incorporated by reference herein, issued by Standard & Poor's on July 2, 2002 relating the Company's new rating. The new ratings are as follows: Company Credit Rating BBB First Mortgage Bonds BBB Senior Notes BBB- Commercial Paper A-2 Trust Preferred Securities BB+ SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. THE EMPIRE DISTRICT ELECTRIC COMPANY By /s/ D.W. Gibson ------------------------------------------------ Name: D.W. Gibson Title: Vice President - Regulatory and General Services Dated: July 2, 2002 Exhibit Index Exhibit Number Description 99.1 Press Release of Empire dated July 2, 2002. 99.2 Press Release of Standard & Poor's dated July 2, 2002.