Energy group Viridian has reported pre-tax profits of £77.3m for the six months to the end of September, up from £76.8m in the same period a year earlier. Revenue rose by 8% to £442.4m.
Operating profits fell slightly to £85m, however, and the increase in pre-tax profits was mainly due to lower interest charges. A 7% higher interim dividend of 11p has been declared.
In October, the board reached agreement with international investment firm Arcapita on a proposal to acquire Viridian.
In the power and energy division, profits fell by £5m to £9.9m, affected by two unplanned power outages at the Huntstown plant in north Dublin. In the Republic of Ireland, Energia increased its customer base by 3,600, mainly small and medium businesses. Increased prices boosted revenue in the division from £162m to £199m.
Northern Ireland Electricity profits rose by around 2% to £51m
