Nov 6 (Reuters) - Pinnacle West Capital ( PNW ) on

Wednesday posted a fall in third-quarter profit as higher

operating and maintenance costs offset gains from favorable

weather and more electricity usage.

The electric utility firm said its service areas experienced

record temperatures during the summer months, leading to higher

electricity consumption.

However, excessive heat along with persistent windy and dry

conditions also stoked wildfires across the U.S. Southwest in

July.

Adverse weather can significantly impact utilities,

leading to increased operation and maintenance costs due to

potential damages to power lines, equipment failure and service

disruptions.

Pinnacle West's operating expenses for the

July-to-September quarter rose to $1.22 billion, from $1.12

billion a year ago.

Phoenix, the largest city in Arizona, endured a

record-breaking 113 consecutive days of temperatures exceeding

100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) in September,

resulting in numerous heat-related fatalities and widespread

wildfires.

Pinnacle West provides electric services to about 1.4

million customers through its largest subsidiary in Arizona.

Total interest expenses rose 12% to $98 million in the

quarter.

Pinnacle expects 2025 consolidated earnings of $4.40 to

$4.60 per share.

The utility raised its annual adjusted earnings forecast to

between $5 and $5.20 per share, from its earlier estimate of

$4.60 to $4.80. Analysts expect $4.92 per share, according to

data compiled by LSEG.

The Phoenix, Arizona-based utility said net income

attributable to common shareholders declined slightly to $395

million for the quarter ended Sept. 30, from $398.2 million a

year earlier.

(Reporting by Pooja Menon in Bengaluru; Editing by Devika

Syamnath)