Empire District Electric : 09-16-2016 - EVOLVe Initiative Ozark Charging Station

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Julie Maus

Director of Corporate Communications 417-625-5101

jmaus@empiredistrict.com

JOPLIN, MO - September 16, 2016 - The Empire District Electric Company announced today an event to be held on Tuesday, September 20, at 1:00 p.m., to unveil its first public charging station in Ozark, Missouri. The event will take place at the Company's Ozark Contact Center office located at 201 West Brick Street.

The charging station is part of the Company's new electric vehicle incentive program. EVOLVe is an initiative to encourage broader adoption of clean, efficient electric vehicles. The initiative includes rebate incentives, educational outreach, and increased availability of electric vehicle charging stations within The Empire District Electric Company service area.

Members of the media are invited to join us for the announcement. More details about the EVOLVe initiative as well as interview opportunities will be provided at the event.

For information on the EVOLVe program, visit www.evolvewithempire.com.

Based in Joplin, Missouri, The Empire District Electric Company (NYSE: EDE) is an investor-owned, regulated utility providing electric, natural gas (through its wholly owned subsidiary The Empire District Gas Company), and water service, with approximately 218,000 customers in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. A subsidiary of the Company also provides fiber optic services.

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THE EMPIRE DISTRICT ELECTRIC COMPANY 602 JOPLIN AVENUE JOPLIN, MISSOURI 64802 417- 625- 5100 FAX: 417- 625- 5169 www.empiredistrict.com