POWER supplier EDF Energy says it hopes to create new jobs after its nuclear power stations boosted annual UK earnings.

The gas and electricity company, which operates the Hartlepool Nuclear Power Station, said earnings reached £1.69bn last year.

However, its results did not reveal profits from EDF's domestic supply business, which are due to be revealed later this year.

The firm serves about four million households and raised domestic tariffs by 3.9 per cent in January.

According to its results, underlying earnings increased 1.4 per cent from £1.67bn to £1.69bn.

Group profits stood at £13.8bn, a 5.5 per cent increase on 2012 on a like-for-like basis.

Vincent de Rivaz, chief executive, said: “Our financial performance means we can make the big investments the country needs to give it the reliable low carbon energy it needs now and in the future.

“It also means we can invest in jobs and skills for the long-term.

“The investment we are making in our existing nuclear power stations has resulted in their best performance for eight years.”

Last year, bosses revealed its Hartlepool site, which was due to close in 2019, is now likely to remain open until 2024.