May 9 (Reuters) - Evergy Inc ( EVRG ) missed Wall Street

estimates for first-quarter profit on Thursday, as the electric

utility was hit by higher expenses and mild winter weather in

its service areas.

The company said mild winter weather impacted retail sales,

reducing earnings in the quarter by about 7 cents per share

compared to a typical winter.

Warmer-than-usual winter weather conditions in service areas

often reduce heating demand for electricity and natural gas,

affecting utility companies such as Evergy ( EVRG ).

The company's operating expenses rose 5.2% to $1.07 billion

in the quarter from a year earlier, while quarterly interest

expenses rose 8.2% to $133.2 million.

Higher interest rates have made borrowing more expensive for

businesses, weighing on utility companies' costs and denting

profits.

Total revenue of $1.33 billion also missed analysts' average

estimate of $1.35 billion, according to LSEG.

The company provides energy to 1.7 million customers in

Kansas and Missouri through its operating subsidiaries, Evergy

Kansas Central, Evergy Metro, and Evergy Missouri West.

The Kansas City, Missouri-based company reported an

adjusted profit of 54 cents per share, missing analysts

estimates of 64 cents per share.