JOPLIN, Mo., Feb 23, 2006 -- BUSINESS WIRE

 

The Empire District Electric Company (NYSE:EDE) announced today that it is in negotiations with LS Power Associates LLP for part ownership of the 665-megawatt, coal-fired Plum Point Power Plant which will be located near Osceola, Arkansas. Empire initially intends to own 50 megawatts. It plans to control an additional 50 megawatts through a long-term purchased power agreement with an option to convert these 50 megawatts to an undivided ownership interest in 2015. The unit is scheduled to be completed in 2010.

Based in Joplin, Missouri, The Empire District Electric Company (NYSE:EDE) is an investor-owned utility providing electric service to approximately 157,000 customers in southwest Missouri, southeast Kansas, northeast Oklahoma, and northwest Arkansas. The Company also provides fiber optic and Internet services, customer information software services, and has an investment in close-tolerance, custom manufacturing. Empire provides water service in three incorporated communities in Missouri.

Certain matters discussed in this press release are "forward-looking statements" intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements address future plans, objectives, expectations, and events or conditions concerning various matters. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements, by reason of the factors noted in our filings with the SEC, including the most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q.

SOURCE: The Empire District Electric Company

News Provided By