Trustpower profit

Bay of Plenty-based Trustpower yesterday announced a $16.8 million half-year profit - up 11 per cent on last year.

Outgoing chairman Avon Carpenter said the electricity generator and retailer faced strong competition, but had increased its customer base by 10,000 to 230,000 during the half-year to September 30.

Sales revenue grew to $254 million, up 21 per cent on the previous year.

An interim dividend of 9.2c a share will be paid on December 22.