Dutch power firm Essent booked a sharp increase in first-half operating profit from ordinary operations, the company announced on Thursday.

Operating profit was up from €390 million in the first six months of 2006 to €483 million this year.
Sales were up slightly at €3.57 billion, with turnover on electricity rising 11%. Gas sales were down 22% because of the warm winter and spring.
Essent said it had generated more earnings from energy trading.