St. Joseph Light & Power Company Announces Change in Its Dividend Record and Payment Dates

Business Wire, Sept 21, 2000

Business Editors

ST. JOSEPH, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 21, 2000

St. Joseph Light & Power Company today announced a change in its dividend record and payment dates that will correspond to the ordinary dividend record and payment dates of UtiliCorp United Inc.

This change is consistent with the merger agreement dated March 4, 1999, between Light & Power and UtiliCorp that allows Light & Power to adjust these dates.

At its meeting on September 20, 2000, the board declared a regular dividend of 25 cents per common share that carries a record date of November 22, 2000, and a payment date of December 12, 2000. These dates correspond with the regular dividend dates of UtiliCorp.

Light & Power and UtiliCorp announced plans to merge in March 1999. The only regulatory approval remaining is from the Missouri Public Service Commission. Approvals have been received from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the state regulatory agencies in Iowa, Minnesota, West Virginia and Colorado. The merger also has passed the Hart-Scott-Rodino anti-trust review by the Department of Justice.

Light & Power serves more than 62,000 electric and 6,400 natural gas customers in all or parts of 10 northwest Missouri counties.

UtiliCorp serves more than three million customers in eight states and in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Its Missouri Public Service unit serves nearly 250,000 electric and natural gas customers in western Missouri, mostly east of Kansas City.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company's expectations and are based on currently available information. Such statements include, but are not limited to, information relating to the operations of the Company, the outcome of regulatory proceedings, and the status, timing and certainty of the proposed merger between the Company and UtiliCorp. When used in this press release, the words "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "intends" and similar expressions as they relate to the Company or its management are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance, achievements or other information may vary materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. No assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what impact they will have on the results of operations and financial conditions of the Company. These statements are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.