Paris - French energy supplier EDF said Wedesday that profits for the first half of 2009 rose by 53.7 per cent, to 41.8 million euros (59.2 million dollars), compared to the same period last year.

Turnover for the first half of this year stood at 413.8 million euros, up by 33.7 per cent, EDF said in a press statement. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) surged by 64.6 per cent, to 140.2 million euros.

The excellent results came after EDF head Pierre Gadonneix said he wanted to raise electricity rates for private customers by 20 per cent over three years, a request that raised eyebrows in political circles.

The daily Les Echos reported Wednesday that the Ministry of Ecology and Energy has asked for a 1.9 per cent rise in electric rates, which was immediately denied by Finance Minister Christine Lagarde.

But French households pay among the lowest electricity charges in the European Union, so a hike in rates seems inevitable.

The daily Le Figaro reported on its online edition that Lagarde said a decision would be taken in mid-August. (dpa)