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):  April 23, 1998


	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)

Item 5	Other Events

	Attached hereto as Exhibit 99 is a press release issued by the 
Company on April 23, 1998, announcing the Company's earnings for the first 
quarter of 1998 and for the twelve month period ended March 31, 1998.



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 		
Name:	R. B. Fancher
Title:	Vice President - Finance

Dated:  April 23, 1998



Exhibit Index


Exhibit      
Number          Description

99              Press Release dated April 23, 1998, announcing 
                the Company's earnings for the first quarter 
                of 1998 and for the twelve month period ended 
                March 31, 1998.