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 23, 2009

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)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

⃞ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

⃞ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

SECTION 2 – RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

Item 2.02	Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

	On July 23,2009, The Empire District Electric Company (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing the Company’s earnings for the second quarter of 2009 and for the twelve month period ended June 30, 2009. Furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.1 is a copy of the press release, which is incorporated by reference herein.

	The informationin this Item 2.02, including Exhibit 99.1 hereto, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section or Sections 11 and 12(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

SECTION 9 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

Item 9.01	Financial Statements and Exhibits.

	(c) Exhibits. The following exhibit is furnished herewith:

	Exhibit No.	Description

	99.1	Press Release, dated July 23, 2009.

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/	Gregory A. Knapp
			Name:	Gregory A. Knapp
			Title:	Vice President – Finance and Chief
				Financial Officer

Dated:	July 23, 2009

Exhibit Index

Exhibit Number		Description

99.1		Press Release, dated July 23, 2009.