The Tennessee Valley Authority reported $5.3 billion in operating revenues through the six-month period ending March 31, a 5 percent increase from the same period a year ago. The higher revenues were driven by a 6 percent increase in electricity sales, primarily because of weather conditions.

During the same six-month period, total operating expenses decreased 4 percent, as compared to the same period last year, primarily because of decreased fuel expense driven by higher hydro and natural gas generation and lower market prices for natural gas.

“Power demand has been higher so far in 2018 compared to last year’s record warm winter, but our customers are paying less,” said Bill Johnson, TVA president and chief executive officer.

Operating and maintenance expenses were down $34 million, or 2 percent lower, for the first six months of this fiscal year, compared to the same period last year, mostly driven by a decrease in planned nuclear outage days and an increase in workforce efficiencies.

“Higher revenues from the more normal weather this year, and lower operating expenses along with lower interest on debt, contributed to a stronger bottom line,” said John Thomas, TVA chief financial officer.

Net income for the six months ending March 31 was $750 million, up 140 percent from net income of $313 million for the same period of fiscal year 2017.