KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 28, 2000--UtiliCorp United (NYSE:UCU) has been informed that federal and state agencies are investigating apparent violations of environmental laws by employees of a former division, committed while UtiliCorp owned the division.

Based in Omaha, Nebraska, the division under investigation conducted a water and wastewater treatment business and was sold by UtiliCorp in January 1997. One former employee of the division has pleaded guilty to criminal charges arising out of the investigation. UtiliCorp does not now know what the outcome of the investigation or its effect on UtiliCorp may be.

A spokesman said UtiliCorp is deeply concerned by this situation and is cooperating fully in the investigation.

CONTACT: UtiliCorp United, Kansas City, Mo.

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