On February 14, 2013, The Empire District Electric Company (the "Company") issued a press release announcing the Company's earnings for the fourth quarter of 2012 and for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2012. Furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.1 is a copy of the press release, which is incorporated by reference herein.

The information in 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.

(a) Financial Statements of businesses acquired:

None

(b) Pro forma financial information:

None

(c) Shell company transactions:

None

(d) Exhibits:

               99.1        Press Release of THE EMPIRE DISTRICT ELECTRIC COMPANY
dated February 14, 2013

                                       2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   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.

Dated: February 14, 2013

                                 Exhibit Index

  Exhibit No.                                       Description

      99.1                        Press Release of THE EMPIRE DISTRICT ELECTRIC
                                  COMPANY dated February 14, 2013