HARTFORD, Conn. & BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Eversource Energy (NYSE: ES) today reported earnings of $203.6 million, or $0.64 per share, in the second quarter of 2016, compared with earnings of $207.5 million, or $0.65 per share, in the second quarter of 2015. In the first half of 2016, Eversource Energy earned $447.8 million, or $1.41 per share, compared with earnings of $460.8 million, or $1.45 per share, in the first half of 2015.

“We have completed a very solid first half of 2016 that was consistent with both this year’s projected earnings of $2.90 to $3.05 per share and our 5 to 7 percent long-term EPS growth rate,” said James J. Judge, Eversource Energy president and chief executive officer. “We also are progressing with development of the long-term solutions that New England requires to make its energy sources cleaner, more reliable and cost competitive.”

Electric Transmission

Eversource Energy’s transmission segment earned $92.5 million in the second quarter of 2016 and $178.2 million in the first half of 2016, compared with earnings of $80.4 million in the second quarter of 2015 and $147 million in the first half of 2015. The improved results were primarily due to an increased level of investment in Eversource Energy’s transmission system, as well as the absence in 2016 of a first-quarter 2015 charge related to an order issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission concerning the return on equity allowed New England transmission owners.

Electric Distribution and Generation

Eversource Energy’s electric distribution and generation segment earned $102.8 million in the second quarter of 2016 and $211.3 million in the first half of 2016, compared with earnings of $120.9 million in the second quarter of 2015 and $251.4 million in the first half of 2015. The lower year-to-date results primarily reflect the absence in 2016 of the benefits associated with resolving several regulatory issues at NSTAR Electric in the first quarter of 2015. Lower results in both the second quarter and first half of 2016, compared with the same periods of 2015, are attributable in part to lower retail sales, as well as higher depreciation and property tax expense due to an increased level of investment in Eversource Energy’s electricity delivery systems.