OREANDA-NEWS. Fitch Ratings has affirmed and withdrawn the following ratings for Empire District Electric Co. (EDE):

--Long-term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'BBB-';
--Senior secured debt at 'BBB+';
--Senior unsecured debt at 'BBB';
--Short-term IDR and CP at 'F3'.

The Rating Outlook is Stable.

Fitch has withdrawn EDE's ratings for commercial reasons. Fitch reserves the right in its sole discretion to withdraw or maintain any rating at any time for any reason it deems sufficient.