Oct 31 (Reuters) - WEC Energy ( WEC ) beat third-quarter

profit estimates on Thursday, as the utility firm benefited from

an increase in residential power usage during summer months and

lower operational costs.

The company provides electricity and gas to nearly 4.7

million customers in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan and

Minnesota.

Hotter-than-usual temperatures in its service areas drove up

the usage of cooling appliances such as air conditioners and

refrigerators, benefiting utilities such as WEC Energy ( WEC ).

Residential power use rose 1.3% during the quarter and

electricity consumption by small commercial and industrial

customers rose 1% over the year earlier.

Cost of sales fell 11% to $520.8 million in the third

quarter, while total operating expenses were marginally down.

On an adjusted basis, the company earned 82 cents per share

for the quarter ended Sept. 30, topping analysts' average

estimate of 70 cents per share, according to data compiled by

LSEG.

The utility reaffirmed its full-year adjusted profit

forecast of $4.80 to $4.90 per share. Analysts were expecting

$4.86 per share.