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In total, Utilitas generated 990,000 MWh or thermal energy and 190,000 MWh of electric energy during the first six months of 2020, the energy group said.

Utilitas CEO Priit Koit said that due to higher than average outdoor temperatures in the first half of the year, Utilitas sold 5% less heat than during the same period a year ago.

"The emergency situation also contributed to the decline in sales, as the consumption of heat decreased in hotels, schools and sport centers," Koit said.

Outdoor temperatures in January and February exceeded the average by 6 degrees Celsius, and while the average temperature for May was slightly below the norm, a heat wave in June increased the average monthly temperature to 3 degrees above the norm, according to the Estonian weather service.

"We can see in yearly comparison that global warming is picking up speed and the biggest cause thereto is the burning of fossil fuels. We attach great importance to achieving climate neutrality, and the decarbonization of the energy sector has a key role in this," Koit said.

As at the end of June, Utilitas supplied heat to 4,972 buildings, including over 174,000 households.

Utilitas is investing 36 mln euros in environmentally sustainable energy production and the installation of heat pipes in 2020.