Form 10-Q
                  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                        WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549
                     ____________________________
                                   
         [X]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                                   
             For the quarterly period ended June 30, 1997
                                   
                                  OR
                                   
        [  ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d)
                OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                                   
                For the transition period from      to
                                   
                     Commission file number 1-707
                                   
                   KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
        (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
                                   
                                   
            Missouri                              44-0308720
 (State or other jurisdiction of               (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)              Identification No.)
                                   
                                   
            1201 Walnut, Kansas City, Missouri   64106-2124
         (Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
                                   
  Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (816) 556-2200


Indicate  by  check  mark whether the registrant  (1)  has  filed  all
reports  required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange  Act  of  1934 during the preceding 12 months  (or  for  such
shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports),
and  (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past  90
days.

Yes  (X)  No ( )

The  number of shares outstanding of the registrant's Common stock  at
August 8, 1997, was 61,900,693 shares.

<PAGE>

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(thousands of dollars)
                                                       June 30     December 31
                                                        1997          1996
ASSETS

UTILITY PLANT, at original cost
 Electric                                             $3,486,400    $3,472,607
 Less-accumulated depreciation                         1,283,825     1,238,187
    Net utility plant in service                       2,202,575     2,234,420
 Construction work in progress                           100,245        69,577
 Nuclear fuel, net of amortization of
   $94,540 and $84,540                                    45,006        39,497
    Total                                              2,347,826     2,343,494

REGULATORY ASSET - RECOVERABLE TAXES                     126,000       126,000

INVESTMENTS AND NONUTILITY PROPERTY                      327,330       231,874

CURRENT ASSETS
 Cash and cash equivalents                                43,018        23,571
 Customer accounts receivable, net of allowance
  for doubtful accounts of $1,333 and $1,644              36,403        27,093
 Other receivables                                        24,494        36,113
 Fuel inventories, at average cost                        18,842        19,077
 Materials and supplies, at average cost                  47,132        47,334
 Deferred income taxes                                     4,606         2,737
 Other                                                     9,284         5,055
    Total                                                183,779       160,980

DEFERRED CHARGES
 Regulatory assets
   Settlement of fuel contracts                            8,951         9,764
   KCC Wolf Creek carrying costs                               0         1,368
   Other                                                  23,710        26,615
 Other deferred charges                                   41,092        14,417
    Total                                                 73,753        52,164

    Total                                             $3,058,688    $2,914,512

CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
CAPITALIZATION
 Common stock-authorized 150,000,000 shares
   without par value-61,908,726 shares issued-
   stated value                                         $449,697      $449,697
 Retained earnings                                       412,890       455,934
 Unrealized gain on securities available for sale          5,085         6,484
 Capital stock premium and expense                        (1,665)       (1,666)
         Common stock equity                             866,007       910,449
Cumulative preferred stock                                89,062        89,062
Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable Preferred
   Securities of subsidiary trust holding solely
   KCPL Subordinated Debentures *                        150,000             0
Long-term debt                                           934,767       944,136
     Total                                            $2,039,836    $1,943,647
CURRENT LIABILITIES
 Notes payable to banks                                    1,400             0
 Current maturities of long-term debt                     63,513        26,591
 Accounts payable                                         58,700        55,618
 Accrued taxes                                            11,581        18,443
 Accrued interest                                         18,620        21,054
 Accrued payroll and vacations                            23,533        25,558
 Accrued refueling outage costs                           11,657         7,181
 Other                                                    13,311        11,980
     Total                                               202,315       166,425

DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES
 Deferred income taxes                                   641,812       643,189
 Deferred investment tax credits                          64,994        67,107
 Other                                                   109,731        94,144
    Total                                                816,537       804,440

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

   Total                                              $3,058,688    $2,914,512

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral
part of these statements.

* The sole asset of the KCPL Financing I Trust is the $154,640,000 principal
  amount of 8.3% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures due 2037

<TABLE>
KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
<CAPTION>
                                     Three Months Ended              Year to Date              Twelve Months Ended
                                          June 30                      June 30                      June 30
                                     1997         1996            1997         1996            1997         1996
                                                               (thousands of dollars)

<S>                               <C>          <C>             <C>          <C>             <C>          <C>
ELECTRIC OPERATING REVENUES        $ 215,420    $ 226,205       $ 410,164    $ 432,829       $ 881,254    $ 914,573

OPERATING EXPENSES
 Operation
   Fuel                               29,291       36,096          64,213       66,869         137,849      138,476
   Purchased power                    17,676       12,540          28,922       26,525          54,852       50,990
   Other                              47,538       45,519          91,461       89,018         183,162      174,133
 Maintenance                          19,764       19,409          36,580       37,438          70,637       72,699
 Depreciation                         27,731       24,861          55,573       49,577         109,908       98,448
 Taxes
   Income                             13,836       18,927          22,366       32,340          58,181       85,862
   General                            22,026       23,451          44,718       47,812          94,154       98,095
 Deferred Wolf Creek costs
   amortization                          684        2,904           1,368        5,808           7,177       11,864
    Total                            178,546      183,707         345,201      355,387         715,920      730,567

OPERATING INCOME                      36,874       42,498          64,963       77,442         165,334      184,006

OTHER INCOME
 Allowance for equity funds
  used during construction               733          457             993        1,117           2,244        2,656
 Miscellaneous income                  8,568        1,948          12,461        2,689          14,615        2,257
 Miscellaneous deductions            (13,503)     (10,928)        (75,664)     (14,713)       (116,123)     (19,870)
 Income taxes                          9,862        8,245          40,095       14,466          62,031       20,951
    Total                              5,660         (278)        (22,115)       3,559         (37,233)       5,994


INCOME BEFORE INTEREST CHARGES        42,534       42,220          42,848       81,001         128,101      190,000

INTEREST CHARGES
 Long-term debt                       17,628       13,205          32,144       26,629          59,454       53,590
 Short-term debt                         331          496           1,170          614           1,807          712
 Miscellaneous                         1,035        1,386           1,910        2,492           4,258        4,347
 Allowance for borrowed funds
  used during construction              (589)        (541)         (1,373)        (931)         (2,389)      (1,849)
    Total                             18,405       14,546          33,851       28,804          63,130       56,800

PERIOD RESULTS
 Net income                           24,129       27,674           8,997       52,197          64,971      133,200
 Preferred stock
  dividend requirements                  959          935           1,914        1,892           3,812        3,855
 Earnings applicable to
  common stock                        23,170       26,739           7,083       50,305          61,159      129,345

Average number of common
 shares outstanding                   61,897       61,902          61,896       61,902          61,899       61,902
Earnings per common share              $0.37        $0.43           $0.11        $0.81           $0.99        $2.09
Cash dividends per
 common share                         $0.405        $0.39           $0.81        $0.78           $1.62        $1.56
<F1>
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(thousands of dollars)
                                          Year to Date     Twelve Months Ended
                                            June 30              June 30
                                         1997      1996       1997      1996

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 Net income                            $  8,997  $ 52,197   $ 64,971  $133,200
 Adjustments to reconcile net income
  to net cash from operating
    activities:
 Depreciation                            55,573    49,577    109,908    98,448
 Amortization of:
  Nuclear fuel                           10,000     5,689     20,405    13,226
  Deferred Wolf Creek costs               1,368     5,808      7,177    11,864
  Other                                   4,032     2,762      6,777     6,849
 Deferred income taxes (net)             (2,451)    7,369    (18,482)    9,883
 Deferred investment tax credit
   amortization and reversals            (2,113)   (2,049)    (4,227)   (4,181)
 Deferred storm costs                         0         0     (8,885)        0
 Deferred merger costs                   (5,597)  (11,718)     6,121   (11,718)
 Allowance for equity funds used
   during construction                     (993)   (1,117)    (2,244)   (2,656)
 Cash flows affected by changes in:
  Receivables                             2,309    (9,158)    12,929   (30,301)
  Fuel inventories                          235     4,156       (895)    1,367
  Materials and supplies                    202     1,075     (1,032)     (480)
  Accounts payable                        3,082        94      6,100    14,278
  Accrued taxes                          (6,862)   (3,447)   (24,698)  (18,740)
  Accrued interest                       (2,434)     (270)     1,984     3,589
  Wolf Creek refueling outage
    accrual                               4,476   (11,290)     9,384    (5,874)
 Pension and postretirement benefit
     obligations                            868       929       (145)   (3,898)
 Other operating activities               2,350     4,642      9,554    12,236
  Net cash from operating
   activites                             73,042    95,249    194,702   227,092

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 Utility capital expenditures           (67,055)  (52,734)  (115,268) (134,758)
 Allowance for borrowed funds used
   during construction                   (1,373)     (931)    (2,389)   (1,849)
 Purchases of investments               (89,702)  (11,166)  (113,898)  (44,827)
 Purchases of nonutility property        (5,841)   (9,558)   (16,678)   (9,558)
 Other investing activities              (8,751)   (3,489)    (6,193)    1,921
  Net cash from investing
   activities                          (172,722)  (77,878)  (254,426) (189,071)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 Issuance of mandatorily redeemable
   Preferred Securities of
   subsidiary trust                     150,000         0    150,000         0
 Issuance of long-term debt              54,360    20,441    169,360    49,114
 Repayment of long-term debt            (26,807)  (44,230)   (56,807)  (44,239)
 Net change in short-term borrowings      1,400    50,000    (67,600)   55,000
 Dividends paid                         (52,041)  (50,183)  (104,061) (100,440)
 Other financing activities              (7,785)     (363)    (9,576)    2,669
  Net cash from financing
   activities                           119,127   (24,335)    81,316   (37,896)
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH
    EQUIVALENTS                          19,447    (6,964)    21,592       125

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING
    OF PERIOD                            23,571    28,390     21,426    21,301

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END
    OF PERIOD                           $43,018   $21,426    $43,018   $21,426

CASH PAID DURING THE PERIOD FOR:
Interest (net of amount capitalized)    $36,780   $28,306    $60,931   $51,621
Income taxes                                 $0   $27,588    $30,756   $80,992

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral
part of these statements.

<PAGE>
KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS
(thousands of dollars)
                                          Year to Date     Twelve Months Ended
                                            June 30              June 30
                                         1997      1996       1997      1996


Beginning balance                      $455,934  $449,966   $451,980  $419,220

Net income                                8,997    52,197     64,971   133,200
                                        464,931   502,163    516,951   552,420
Dividends declared
   Preferred stock - at required rates    1,906     1,900      3,788     3,874
   Common stock                          50,135    48,283    100,273    96,566

Ending balance                         $412,890  $451,980   $412,890  $451,980

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral
part of these statements.


KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

      In  management's  opinion,  the consolidated  interim  financial
statements   reflect  all  adjustments  (which  include  only   normal
recurring  adjustments) necessary to present  fairly  the  results  of
operations  for  the interim periods presented.  These statements  and
notes  should be read in connection with the financial statements  and
related notes included in our 1996 annual report on Form 10-K.

1.  AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER WITH WESTERN RESOURCES

     On February 7, 1997, Kansas City Power & Light Company (KCPL) and
Western  Resources, Inc. (Western Resources) entered into an Agreement
and Plan of Merger (the Merger Agreement) to form a strategic business
combination.  The effective time of the merger is dependent  upon  all
conditions  of  the  Merger Agreement being met  or  waived.   At  the
effective time, KCPL will merge with and into Western Resources,  with
Western Resources being the surviving corporation.

      Western Resources first delivered an unsolicited exchange  offer
to  KCPL's Board of Directors during the second quarter of 1996.  This
initial  offer, subject to numerous conditions, proposed the  exchange
of  $28 (later increased to $31) worth of Western Resources stock  for
each  share  of KCPL stock.  After careful consideration, both  offers
were  rejected  by  KCPL's Board of Directors.  In July  1996  Western
Resources commenced an exchange offer for KCPL common stock.  In  late
1996  KCPL  began discussing a possible merger with Western  Resources
leading to the Merger Agreement.

      Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, KCPL common stock  will
be  exchanged  for  Western Resources common stock valued  at  $32.00,
subject to a conversion ratio limiting the amount of Western Resources
common stock that holders of KCPL common stock would receive per share
of KCPL common stock to no more than 1.1 shares (if Western Resources'
stock  is priced at or below $29.09 per share), and no less than 0.917
shares  (if Western Resources' stock is priced at or above $34.90  per
share).   However, there is a provision in the Merger  Agreement  that
allows KCPL to terminate the merger if Western Resources' stock  price
drops  below  $27.64  and  either the  Standard  and  Poor's  Electric
Companies  Index  increases or the decline in Western Resources  stock
price  exceeds by approximately 5% any decline in this index.  Western
Resources  could  avoid this termination by improving  the  conversion
ratio.

       The  transaction  is  subject  to  several  closing  conditions
including  approval  by  each company's shareholders,  approval  by  a
number  of regulatory authorities (statutory approvals) and dissenting
shares  equaling less than 5.5% of KCPL's outstanding shares.  If  the
effective  time  has  not occurred by June 30, 1998  (the  termination
date),  either party may terminate the agreement as long as  they  did
not   contribute  to  the  delay.   This  termination  date  will   be
automatically  extended  to  June 30,  1999,  if  all  of  the  Merger
Agreement  closing  conditions  have  been  met  except  for   certain
conditions relating to statutory approvals.

      The  Merger Agreement does not allow KCPL to increase its common
stock  dividend prior to the effective time or termination.   It  also
requires  KCPL  to  redeem all outstanding shares of  preferred  stock
prior to completion of the merger.

       If   the   Merger   Agreement  is  terminated   under   certain
circumstances, a payment of $50 million will be due Western  Resources
if,  within two and one-half years following termination, KCPL  agrees
to  consummate a business combination with a third party that  made  a
proposal to combine prior to termination.  Western Resources will  pay
KCPL  $5 to $35 million if the Merger Agreement is terminated and  all
closing  conditions  are satisfied other than conditions  relating  to
Western  Resources  receiving a favorable  tax  opinion,  a  favorable
letter  from  its accountants regarding pooling accounting,  favorable
statutory  approvals, or an exemption from the Public Utility  Holding
Company Act of 1935.

      In February 1997 KCPL paid UtiliCorp United Inc. (UtiliCorp) $53
million for agreeing to combine with Western Resources within two  and
one-half years from the termination of KCPL's agreement to merge  with
UtiliCorp.   This  agreement was terminated due  to  failure  of  KCPL
shareholders to approve the transaction with UtiliCorp.

      During  the  first six months of 1997, $5.6 million  of  merger-
related costs were deferred by KCPL and are included in Other deferred
charges.   These costs will be expensed in the first reporting  period
subsequent to closing of the merger.

2.  SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE

      Certain  investments in equity securities are accounted  for  as
securities  available  for  sale and adjusted  to  market  value  with
unrealized  gains (or losses), net of deferred income taxes,  reported
as a separate component of shareholders' equity.

     The cost of securities available for sale held by KLT Inc. (KLT),
a  wholly-owned subsidiary of KCPL, was $5 million as of June 30, 1997
and  December  31,  1996.  Unrealized gains, net  of  deferred  income
taxes,  decreased to $5.1 million at June 30, 1997, from $6.5  million
at December 31, 1996.

3.  CAPITALIZATION

      From January 1, 1997 to June 30, 1997, KCPL repaid $16.5 million
of  medium-term notes.  KCPL is authorized to issue up to $300 million
in  unsecured medium-term notes under an indenture dated  December  1,
1996.   As  of June 30, 1997, no unsecured medium-term notes had  been
issued.

     In April 1997 KCPL Financing I (Trust), a wholly-owned subsidiary
of  Kansas  City  Power & Light Company, issued $150,000,000  of  8.3%
preferred securities.  The sole asset of the Trust is the $154,640,000
principal  amount  of  8.3%  Junior Subordinated  Deferrable  Interest
Debentures, due 2037, issued by KCPL.  The terms and interest payments
on  these debentures correspond to the terms and dividend payments  on
the   preferred   securities.   These  payments   are   reflected   as
Miscellaneous Interest Charges in the Consolidated Statement of Income
and  are  tax  deductible  by KCPL.  We may elect  to  defer  interest
payments on the debentures for a period up to 20 consecutive quarters,
causing  dividend payments on the preferred securities to be  deferred
as  well.  In case of a deferral, interest and dividends will continue
to  accrue, along with quarterly compounding interest on the  deferred
amounts.  We may redeem all or a portion of the debentures after March
31,  2002,  requiring an equal amount of preferred  securities  to  be
redeemed  at  face  value plus accrued and unpaid distributions.   The
back-up undertakings in the aggregate provide a full and unconditional
guarantee of amounts due on the preferred securities.

      From  July  1  through  August 8, 1997,  KLT's  long-term  debt,
including current maturities, increased $5.0 million.

4.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     See Part II - Other Information, Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

5.  COSTANERA INVESTMENT

      In  1997  KLT  invested $46 million for a 12  percent  ownership
position  in the largest fossil-fueled generator in Argentina.   While
the  cost  method  is  used to account for this investment,  Financial
Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 115 -- Accounting  for
Certain  Investments in Debt and Equity Securities is  not  applicable
because  the  fair value of Class A stock is not readily determinable.
Because  of  a  legally  binding Consortium and Stockholders  Contract
requiring  the Class A shareholders to authorize the maximum  dividend
distribution,   KLT   accrues  estimated   dividends   before   actual
declaration.

6.  INTANGIBLE ASSETS

       The   application  of  purchase  accounting  for  certain   KLT
investments   during  1997  resulted  in  $12  million   of   goodwill
recognition.  These amounts are included in Other deferred charges  on
the balance sheet and are being amortized over 10 to 15 years.

7.  KANSAS RETAIL REVENUE REQUIREMENT

      On  June  19,  1997, the Kansas Corporation Commission  formally
opened  a  case  for  the purpose of reviewing  KCPL's  Kansas  retail
revenue  requirement.  We expect to file direct testimony and exhibits
in  the case in August 1997.  About 39 percent of KCPL's retail  sales
revenue, net of gross receipts tax, currently comes from Kansas.


ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


REGULATION AND COMPETITION

     As competition develops throughout the electric utility industry,
we  are positioning Kansas City Power & Light Company (KCPL) to  excel
in an open market.  We are improving the efficiency of KCPL's electric
utility operations, lowering prices and offering new services.  We now
offer  customized  energy  packages  to  larger  customers,  including
options  offering natural gas contracts.  We are also creating  growth
through  our  nonregulated subsidiary (see Nonregulated  Opportunities
below).   As competition presents new opportunities, we will  consider
various strategies including partnerships, acquisitions, combinations,
additions  to  or dispositions of service territory, and restructuring
wholesale  and  retail businesses.  We have entered an  Agreement  and
Plan of Merger with Western Resources, Inc. (Western Resources).  This
agreement  was  reached  after nine months  of  defending  against  an
unsolicited  exchange offer (see Note 1 to the Consolidated  Financial
Statements).

      In December 1996 the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
issued  a  statement concerning electric utility mergers.   Under  the
statement,  companies  must demonstrate that  their  merger  does  not
adversely  affect competition or wholesale rates.  As  remedies,  FERC
may  consider  a range of conditions including transmission  upgrades,
divestitures  of generating assets or formation of independent  system
operators.

     Competition in the electric utility industry was accelerated with
the  National Energy Policy Act of 1992.  This gave FERC the authority
to  require electric utilities to provide transmission line access  to
independent  power  producers (IPPs) and  other  utilities  (wholesale
wheeling).  KCPL, already active in the wholesale wheeling market, was
one  of  the  first utilities to receive FERC's approval of  an  open-
access tariff for wholesale wheeling transactions.  In April 1996 FERC
issued  an  order requiring all owners of transmission  facilities  to
adopt  open-access tariffs and participate in wholesale wheeling.   We
have made the necessary filings to comply with that order.

      FERC's  April  1996  order has encouraged more  movement  toward
retail competition at the state level.  An increasing number of states
have  already  adopted open access requirements for utilities'  retail
electric service, allowing competing suppliers access to their  retail
customers   (retail  wheeling).   Many  other  states   are   actively
considering  retail wheeling.  Kansas has created  a  retail  wheeling
task  force  to  study and report on related issues.  In  Missouri,  a
legislative  committee has been formed to study the  issue  while  the
Missouri Public Service Commission (MPSC) has established a task force
to plan for implementation of retail wheeling if authorized by law.

      Competition through retail wheeling could result in market-based
rates  below  current  cost-based rates.  This  would  provide  growth
opportunities  for  low-cost  producers  and  risks  for   higher-cost
producers,  especially those with large industrial  customers.   Lower
rates  and  the loss of major customers could result in under-utilized
assets  (stranded  investment)  and place  an  unfair  burden  on  the
remaining  customer  base or shareholders.  If an  adequate  and  fair
provision for recovery of these lost revenues is not provided, certain
generating  assets  may  have  to  be  evaluated  for  impairment  and
appropriate charges recorded against earnings.  In addition  to  lower
profit  margins,  market-based  rates could  also  require  generating
assets  to  be  depreciated  over  shorter  useful  lives,  increasing
operating expenses.

      Although  Missouri  and Kansas have not  yet  authorized  retail
wheeling,  we believe KCPL is positioned well to compete  in  an  open
market  with  its diverse customer mix and pricing strategies.   About
22% of KCPL's retail mwh sales are to industrial customers compared to
the  utility  industry average of about 35%. KCPL has a flexible  rate
structure  with industrial rates that are competitively priced  within
our  region.  In addition, long-term contracts are in place  or  under
negotiation for a large portion of KCPL's industrial sales.  There has
not been direct competition for retail electric service in our service
territory although there has been competition in the bulk power market
and between alternative fuels.

      Increased  competition  could also  force  utilities  to  change
accounting  methods.   Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  (FASB)
Statement No. 71 _ Accounting for Certain Types of Regulation, applies
to regulated entities whose rates are designed to recover the costs of
providing  service.   An entity's operations could  stop  meeting  the
requirements  of FASB 71 for various reasons, including  a  change  in
regulation or a change in the competitive environment for a  company's
regulated  services.   For  those operations  no  longer  meeting  the
requirements  of  regulatory accounting, regulatory  assets  would  be
written off.  KCPL's regulatory assets, totaling $159 million at  June
30, 1997, will be maintained as long as FASB 71 requirements are met.

       It  is  possible  that  competition  could  eventually  have  a
materially  adverse  affect  on  KCPL's  results  of  operations   and
financial  position.   Should  competition  eventually  result  in   a
significant  charge  to equity, capital costs and  requirements  could
increase significantly.

NONREGULATED OPPORTUNITIES

     KLT Inc. (KLT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary pursuing nonregulated
business   ventures.   KLT's  strategy  capitalizes  on   new   market
opportunities  by  combining our strengths with the knowledge  of  our
joint  venture  partners.  Existing ventures  include  investments  in
domestic  and  international  nonregulated  power  production,  energy
services,   oil   and  gas  reserves,  telecommunications,   telemetry
technology, and affordable housing limited partnerships.

      KCPL had a total equity investment in KLT of $109 million as  of
June  30,  1997.  KLT's consolidated assets at June 30, 1997,  totaled
$331 million.  The growth of KLT accounts for most of the increase  in
KCPL's  consolidated investments and nonutility property (see  Capital
Requirements and Liquidity section).  The Agreement and Plan of Merger
with  Western  Resources includes a provision  that  requires  Western
Resources approval if annual Investments exceed a certain limit.  Such
Investments  do  not  include the cost of  routine  regulated  utility
capital  expenditures.  If planned annual investments are  anticipated
to be restricted because of this limit, KLT will review the allocation
of funds among its investment plans.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three-month         three  months  ended June 30,  1997,  compared
period:             with three months ended June 30, 1996
                    
Six-month           six  months ended June 30, 1997, compared with
period:             six months ended June 30, 1996

Twelve-month        twelve  months  ended June 30, 1997,  compared
period:             with twelve months ended June 30, 1996

EARNINGS OVERVIEW

                        Earnings Per Share (EPS)
                       For the Periods Ended June
                                   30
                                              
                        1997      1996    Decrease
Three months ended     $0.37     $0.43    $(0.06)
Six months ended       $0.11     $0.81    $(0.70)
Twelve months ended    $0.99     $2.09    $(1.10)
      EPS  for  the three-month period decreased mainly  due  to  cool
weather,  plant  outages  and  Missouri  rate  reductions  during  the
quarter.   The  estimated impact of the Missouri  rate  reduction  was
$0.03  per  share.   A decline in bulk power sales  and  increases  in
purchased power and depreciation expense also negatively affected  EPS
for  the  period.  Partially offsetting these decreases is an increase
in subsidiary income for the three-month period.  In addition, EPS for
the three-months ended 1996 was reduced by $0.05 for merger costs.

     KCPL's pursuit of its strategic options resulted in the September
1996  termination  of  a merger agreement with UtiliCorp  United  Inc.
(UtiliCorp)  and  the February 1997 announcement of our  agreement  to
combine  with  Western  Resources.   These  actions  triggered  KCPL's
payment  of  $53  million  to  UtiliCorp  under  provisions  of   that
agreement, lowering EPS for the six-month period by $0.52.   Continued
implementation of rate reductions approved by the MPSC  in  July  1996
also lowered EPS for the six-month period by an estimated $0.14.

      The  decrease  in EPS for the twelve-month period  reflects  the
payment to UtiliCorp ($0.52), the estimated twelve-month impact of the
Missouri  rate  reduction ($0.17), and merger costs  expensed  in  the
third  quarter  of  1996  ($0.26).  Mild summer  temperatures  and  an
increase in depreciation expense also had a negative effect on EPS for
the  twelve-month period.  Factors contributing positively to EPS  for
the twelve-month period included continued load growth and an increase
in bulk power sales.

MEGAWATT-HOUR (MWH) SALES AND OPERATING REVENUES

Sales and revenue data:
(revenue change in millions)


                       Periods ended June 30, 1997 versus June 30, 1996
                       Three Months     Six Months       Twelve Months
                        Mwh  Revenues    Mwh  Revenues    Mwh  Revenues
                                        Increase (decrease)
Retail Sales:
  Residential           (6)%      $(4)   (3)%      $(7)   (6)%     $(21)
  Commercial             1 %       (2)    1 %      (10)    1 %      (13)
  Industrial           (13)%       (1)   (7)%       (4)    - %       (3)
  Other                 (1)%        -    (1)%        -    (2)%        -
     Total Retail       (4)%       (7)   (2)%      (21)   (1)%      (37)
Sales for Resale:
  Bulk Power Sales     (21)%       (4)   (2)%       (2)    8 %        6
  Other                 21 %        -    26 %        -    35 %        1
    Total                         (11)             (23)             (30)
  Other revenues                    -                -               (3)
    Total Operating Revenues     $(11)            $(23)            $(33)

                                   
      During  1996  the MPSC approved a new stipulation and  agreement
authorizing  a  $20 million revenue reduction in two  phases,  and  an
increase  in  depreciation and amortization expense by $9 million  per
year.   In July 1996 we implemented phase one of the revenue reduction
designed  to reduce revenues from commercial and industrial  customers
by  an estimated $9 million per year.  This decrease is achieved  with
an  increase in summer revenues offset by a larger decrease in  winter
revenues.   This  design more closely follows our increased  costs  of
generating  electricity  in the summer.   The  second  phase  of  this
stipulation,  implemented  January 1, 1997, further  reduces  Missouri
residential,  commercial and industrial revenues by an  estimated  $11
million per year.  The effect of the stipulation lowered revenues  for
the  three-month period by about $3 million, the six-month  period  by
about $14 million and the twelve-month period by about $17 million.

      In June 1997 the Kansas Corporation Commission formally opened a
case  for  the  purpose  of  reviewing KCPL's  Kansas  retail  revenue
requirement.  We expect to file direct testimony and exhibits  in  the
case in August 1997.

       The  summer  rate  increases  discussed  above,  combined  with
seasonally  higher  mwh  sales  in June  1997  versus  December  1996,
resulted in a higher customer accounts receivable balance at June  30,
1997, compared with December 31, 1996.

      Milder  weather, the effect of the rate reductions  and  reduced
sales  to  a  major industrial customer because of  a  strike  by  its
employees  resulted in a decline in retail revenues for  all  periods.
Continued load growth partially offset decreases in mwh sales.

      KCPL has long-term sales contracts with certain major industrial
customers.  These contracts are tailored to meet customers'  needs  in
exchange for their long-term commitment to purchase energy.  Long-term
contracts are in place for a large portion of KCPL's industrial  sales
and more contracts are under negotiation.

      Bulk power sales vary with system requirements, generating  unit
and  purchased power availability, fuel costs and the requirements  of
other  electric systems.  Outages at the LaCygne I and  II  generating
units  in  the second quarter of 1997 contributed to lower bulk  power
sales  in  the  current  three- and six-month periods  (see  Fuel  and
Purchased  Power section).  Both units at LaCygne were in  service  by
early July 1997.  Wolf Creek's spring 1996 refueling outage (see  Wolf
Creek  section)  contributed to lower bulk power sales  in  the  prior
twelve-month period.  Lower bulk power sales in June 1997 compared  to
December 1996, combined with the conversion of a Note receivable to an
investment   (see   Capital  Requirements  and   Liquidity   section),
contributed to the lower Other receivables balance at June  30,  1997,
compared with December 31, 1996.

      Total  revenue per mwh sold varies with changes in rate tariffs,
the mix of mwh sales among customer classifications and the effect  of
declining  price  per  mwh  as  usage increases.   An  automatic  fuel
adjustment  provision is included in only sales  for  resale  tariffs,
which apply to less than 1% of revenues.

      Future  mwh sales and revenues per mwh will also be affected  by
national  and  local  economies,  weather  and  customer  conservation
efforts.  Competition, including alternative sources of energy such as
natural gas, cogeneration, IPPs and other electric utilities, may also
affect future sales and revenue.


FUEL AND PURCHASED POWER

      Combined  fuel and purchased power expenses for the  three-month
period  decreased only 3% while total mwh sales (total of  retail  and
sales  for  resale)  decreased 8%.  Also combined fuel  and  purchased
power  expenses  for  the six-month periods were  approximately  equal
while total mwh sales decreased 2%.  The differences are due mainly to
additional  replacement power expense incurred during the two  periods
due to LaCygne generating units outages.

      Combined  fuel and purchased power expenses for the twelve-month
period  increased  2% while total mwh sales increased  only  1%.   The
additional increase in expense is due mainly to a $4 million  increase
in  capacity  purchases  and the replacement  power  expense  incurred
during  the  LaCygne  generating units outages.  Partially  offsetting
this,  the  prior  twelve-month period includes the  additional  costs
incurred for Wolf Creek's 1996 refueling outage and a July 1995 forced
generating station outage.  During July 1995 a fire forced  an  outage
at LaCygne I, a low-cost, coal-fired generating unit.  We replaced the
power  by  increasing the usage of higher-cost, coal-fired  units  and
purchasing  power on the wholesale market.  Damage  to  the  unit  was
covered  by  insurance, but uninsured, incremental fuel and  purchased
power costs were about $4 million.

      The  MMBTU price of nuclear fuel remains substantially less than
the  MMBTU  price of coal, despite increasing 18% for the twelve-month
period.   Nuclear fuel costs averaged 60% of the price of coal  during
the  current twelve months compared with 50% during the prior  twelve-
month  period.  We expect this relationship and the price  of  nuclear
fuel to remain fairly constant through the year 2001.  For the current
twelve-month  period,  coal represented about 70%  of  generation  and
nuclear  fuel  about  30%.   In the prior  twelve-month  period,  coal
represented about 75% of generation and nuclear fuel about  25%.   The
increase  in nuclear fuel as a percentage of total generation  is  due
mainly  to   outages  during  1997 at LaCygne  I  and  II,  coal-fired
generating units, and the refueling outage at Wolf Creek in the  prior
period.

     The MMBTU price of coal decreased 2% for the twelve month period.
Our  coal  procurement strategies continue to provide coal costs  well
below  the  regional average.  We expect coal costs to  remain  fairly
consistent with current levels through 2001.


OTHER OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE EXPENSES

     Combined other operation and maintenance expenses for the twelve-
month  period  increased  due  largely to increases  in  transmission,
distribution and customer accounts expenses.

       We  continue  to  emphasize  new  technologies,  improved  work
methodologies  and  cost control.  We are continuously  improving  our
work   processes  to  provide  increased  efficiencies  and   improved
operations.   Through the use of cellular technology,  a  majority  of
customer meters are read automatically.


DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION

     The increase in depreciation expense for all periods reflects the
implementation of the Missouri stipulation and agreement discussed  in
the  revenue section as well as normal increases in depreciation  from
capital  additions.  The Missouri stipulation and agreement, effective
July  1, 1996, authorized a $9 million annual increase in depreciation
expense  at about the same time the Missouri portion of Deferred  Wolf
Creek   costs   became  fully  amortized  in  December   1996.    This
amortization totaled about $9 million per year.

      The  Kansas  portion of Deferred Wolf Creek costs  became  fully
amortized  in the second quarter of 1997.  Amortization of the  Kansas
portion of this asset totaled about $3 million per year.

INCOME TAXES

      The  decrease  in operating income taxes for the three-and  six-
month  periods reflects lower taxable operating income.  The  decrease
for  the  twelve-month period reflects lower taxable operating income,
adjustments  necessary to reflect the filing of the 1995  tax  returns
and  the  settlement with the Internal Revenue Service  regarding  tax
issues included in the 1985 through 1990 tax returns.

      General  taxes decreased for all periods reflecting  changes  in
Kansas tax law which reduced the mill levy rates.


OTHER INCOME

     Miscellaneous Income
     Miscellaneous  income for the prior twelve-month period  included
     an  adjustment  to  reduce a 1995 gain from  the  sale  of  steel
     railcars  by  $3  million.  The adjustment was  based  on  a  re-
     calculation of the cars' net cost.  Miscellaneous income for  all
     current periods includes increased revenues from non-utility  and
     subsidiary operations.  Dividends on the investment in a  fossil-
     fuel  generator  in  Argentina  (see  Capital  Requirements   and
     Liquidity  section) and revenues from a subsidiary in  which  KLT
     obtained  a controlling interest during 1997 contributed  to  the
     increase in miscellaneous income from subsidiary operations.

     Miscellaneous Deductions
     Miscellaneous  deductions for the six- and  twelve-month  periods
     increased  due to a $53 million payment to UtiliCorp in  February
     1997.   The  September 1996 termination of the  UtiliCorp  merger
     agreement and the February 1997 announcement of our agreement  to
     combine   with  Western  Resources,  triggered  the  payment   to
     UtiliCorp  under  provisions of the UtiliCorp  merger  agreement.
     The  twelve-month  period also reflects  $26  million  in  merger
     related costs incurred in the third quarter of 1996; these  costs
     consist  of  $13  million  in previously  deferred  merger  costs
     expensed  as  a  result of terminating the merger agreement  with
     UtiliCorp,  a  $5 million termination fee paid upon  termination,
     and  $8  million  in  costs to defend against Western  Resources'
     unsolicited  exchange offer.  Miscellaneous  deductions  for  all
     prior  periods  reflect  $5 million incurred  to  defend  against
     Western Resources' unsolicited exchange offer.
     
     All periods reflect increased non-utility expenses and subsidiary
     operating and investing activities.  Subsidiary expenses included
     in  Miscellaneous deductions increased by $9 million for the six-
     month  period and $14 million for the twelve-month  period.   The
     primary  subsidiary  expenses that increased are  general  office
     expense,  administrative  and  general  labor  and  benefits  and
     outside  consulting services.  Development of  independent  power
     producers, increased gas operations and inclusion of three  small
     companies in which KLT obtained controlling interests during 1997
     are  the  primary  activities that contributed to  the  increased
     expenses.
     
     Income Taxes
     Income tax reductions for all periods increased primarily due  to
     the   increases  in  miscellaneous  deductions  discussed  above.
     Additionally, during the first six months of 1997 we accrued  tax
     credits  of  $12 million, or one-half of the total expected  1997
     credits,  related  to affordable housing partnership  investments
     and  oil  and gas investments.  This is an increase of $6 million
     compared  with the tax credits accrued during the first  half  of
     1996.   Tax  credits  from the investments in affordable  housing
     more  than offset the increase in interest expense incurred  from
     these investments.  Non-taxable cash surrender value of corporate-
     owned  life  insurance contracts also affected  the  relationship
     between miscellaneous deductions and income taxes.


INTEREST CHARGES

      The  increase  in  long-term interest expense  for  all  periods
reflects  higher  average levels of long-term debt  outstanding.   The
higher  levels  of debt resulted mainly from additional financing  for
new  investments  in unregulated ventures, funding of other  corporate
capital  requirements  and  financing  by  KLT  to  support  expanding
subsidiary operations.

      We  use  interest  rate  swap and cap agreements  to  limit  the
interest expense on a portion of KCPL's variable-rate long-term  debt.
We  do  not use derivative financial instruments for trading or  other
speculative purposes.  Although these agreements are an integral  part
of  our interest rate management, their incremental effect on interest
expense and cash flows is not significant.


WOLF CREEK

       Wolf   Creek  is  one  of  KCPL's  principal  generating  units
representing about 17% of accredited generating capacity.  The plant's
operating performance has remained strong, contributing about  27%  of
annual  mwh generation while operating at an average capacity  of  88%
over  the last three years.  It has the lowest fuel cost per MMBTU  of
any of KCPL's generating units.

      Wolf  Creek's eighth scheduled refueling and maintenance  outage
began  in  early  February 1996 and was completed in  April  1996  (64
days).   The incremental operating, maintenance and replacement  power
costs are accrued evenly over the unit's operating cycle, normally  18
months.   As  actual  outage  expenses  are  incurred,  the  refueling
liability  and  related deferred tax asset are  reduced.   The  eighth
outage  started  one month early when the plant was  shut  down  after
water  flow from the cooling lake was restricted by ice buildup on  an
intake  screen.  This extended the length of the outage  and  was  the
primary  reason  for  the increase in Wolf Creek  related  replacement
power  and maintenance expenses in 1996.  Wolf Creek's ninth refueling
and maintenance outage is scheduled for the fall of 1997.

      Currently, no major equipment replacements are expected, but  an
extended  shut-down  of  Wolf Creek could have a  substantial  adverse
effect  on  KCPL's  business,  financial  condition  and  results   of
operations.   Higher  replacement  power  and  other  costs  would  be
incurred  as  a  result.  Although not expected, an unscheduled  plant
shut-down  could  be  caused  by actions  of  the  Nuclear  Regulatory
Commission  reacting to safety concerns at the plant or other  similar
nuclear   units.   If  a  long-term  shut-down  occurred,  the   state
regulatory commissions could consider reducing rates by excluding  the
Wolf Creek investment from rate base.

     Ownership and operation of a nuclear generating unit exposes KCPL
to  risks regarding the cost of decommissioning the unit at the end of
its  life  and  to  potential retrospective assessments  and  property
losses in excess of insurance coverage.


CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AND LIQUIDITY

      See  Note  3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements  regarding
$150  million  in  financing obtained by KCPL in  April  1997.   Other
liquid  resources of KCPL at June 30, 1997, included cash  flows  from
operations, $300 million of registered but unissued unsecured  medium-
term  notes  and  $355 million of unused bank lines  of  credit.   The
unused  lines consisted of KCPL's short-term bank lines of  credit  of
$300  million  and  KLT's long-term revolving line of  credit  of  $55
million.   Cash  and cash equivalents increased by  $19  million  from
December 1996 to June 1997 primarily due to the unused portion of  the
$150 million in financing currently held in temporary investments.

      KCPL  continued to generate positive cash flows  from  operating
activities  despite the significant decreases in net  income  for  all
periods.   Cash  flow variances from changes in working capital  items
vary  with normal business cycles and operations including the  timing
of receipts and payments.  The timing of the Wolf Creek outage affects
the  refueling outage accrual, deferred income taxes and  amortization
of nuclear fuel.

     The decrease in accrued taxes from December 31, 1996, to June 30,
1997,  mainly reflects the decrease in taxable income during the first
six  months of 1997.  Accelerated depreciation lowers tax payments  in
the  earlier  years of an asset's life while increasing  deferred  tax
liabilities;  this  relationship reverses in the  later  years  of  an
asset's life.  Our last significant generating plant addition was  the
completion  of Wolf Creek in 1985.  Accelerated depreciation  on  Wolf
Creek ended in 1995.

      The $8.9 million incurred to repair damages from an October 1996
snow storm lowered cash flows from operating activities for the twelve-
month  period.  Amortization of these costs over five years  began  in
1997.

      Subsidiary  goodwill  resulting from KLT  investments,  deferred
merger  costs  and  unamortized debt expense all  contributed  to  the
increase  in Other deferred charges on the Consolidated Balance  Sheet
from  December  31,  1996, to June 30, 1997.  Other  deferred  credits
increased  due  to  increases  in long-term  pension  and  Wolf  Creek
decommissioning  liabilities.   Also,  subsidiary  minority  interests
included   in  Other  deferred  credits  increased  as  KLT   obtained
controlling interests in new companies in 1997.

      Cash  used  in  investing activities varies with the  timing  of
utility  capital  expenditures and KLT's purchases of investments  and
nonutility  properties.   KLT closed several  investments  during  the
first  six  months  of  1997,  increasing Investments  and  Nonutility
Property  on  the  Consolidated Balance  Sheet  by  approximately  $88
million.  These include a 12% ownership interest in the largest fossil-
fuel  generator  in  Argentina and an ownership  interest  in  Digital
Teleport,  Inc. (DTI).  DTI is constructing a state of the art,  fiber
optic network throughout the region in anticipation of increased local
and   long  distance  telephone  competition.   As  part  of  the  DTI
transaction,  KLT  converted  a  $9 million  note  receivable  to  the
investment in DTI.

      Construction  work  in progress increased by  $31  million  from
December 1996 to June 1997 due to normal seasonal fluctuations in  the
construction  schedule,  continued construction  on  major  production
projects,  and  system  software  upgrades.   Nuclear  fuel,  net   of
amortization, increased from December 1996 to June 1997 primarily  due
to  incurring costs for fabrication and enrichment of fuel  assemblies
for the fall 1997 reload.

      Cash provided by financing activities increased for the six- and
twelve-month  periods due to additional long-term  borrowings.   Long-
term debt, including current maturities, increased by $28 million from
December  1996 to June 1997 primarily due to additional borrowings  by
KLT on its long-term revolving line of credit.  As discussed in Note 3
to  the Consolidated Financial Statements, KCPL Financing I, a wholly-
owned  subsidiary of KCPL, issued $150,000,000 of preferred securities
in  April  1997.   The  $53  million payment to  UtiliCorp  and  KLT's
purchases  of  investments  and nonutility  properties  were  financed
mostly  by  this financing and additional long-term borrowings.   Cash
used  in Other financing activities increased for the six- and twelve-
month periods due primarily to an increase in unamortized debt expense
related to the $150,000,000 financing.

      KCPL's  common  dividend payout ratio was 164% for  the  current
twelve-month  period and 75% for the prior twelve-month  period.   The
increase  in the payout ratio is due mainly to the significant  merger
related expenses in the current twelve-month period.

      Day-to-day  operations,  utility construction  requirements  and
dividends  are  expected  to  be met with internally-generated  funds.
Uncertainties  affecting our ability to meet these  requirements  with
internally-generated  funds  include  the  effect  of   inflation   on
operating  expenses,  the  level  of mwh  sales,  regulatory  actions,
compliance  with future environmental regulations and the availability
of   generating  units.   The  funds  needed  for  the  retirement  of
$413  million of maturing debt through the year 2001 will be  provided
from  operations,  refinancings or short-term debt.   We  might  incur
additional  debt and/or issue additional equity to finance  growth  or
take advantage of new opportunities.


<PAGE>

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings.

     On July 18, 1997 in Kansas City Power & Light Company
vs. Western Resources, Inc. (previously discussed in the
Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996),
the United States District Court for the Western District of
Missouri issued an Order dismissing Intervenor Jack R.
Manson's derivative amended counterclaims alleging breach of
directors' fiduciary duties in connection with the proposed
merger with Utilicorp United Inc.  In early August 1997,
Manson filed a motion to amend the Order requesting the
Court award his attorney's fees in this matter.

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.

Exhibits

Exhibit 27.    Financial Data Schedule (for the six months
ended June 30, 1997).

Reports on Form 8-K

     The Company filed on July 30, 1997, its second quarter
financial statements on a Report on Form 8-K.

<PAGE>
                         SIGNATURES

     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 thereunto duly
authorized.

                              KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY

Dated:  August 12, 1997       By:  /s/Drue Jennings
                              (Drue Jennings)
                              (Chief Executive Officer)

Dated:  August 12, 1997       By:  /s/Neil Roadman
                              (Neil Roadman)
                              (Principal Accounting Officer)