New Delhi, July 27 - State-run power utility National Thermal Power Corp (NTPC) Monday reported a 27 percent increase in its net profit to Rs.2,193.6 crore (Rs.21,936.2 million) for the first quarter this fiscal, as compared to the Rs.1,726.53 crore it netted in the year-ago period.

Its total income surged 24 percent to Rs.12,778.96 crore from Rs.10,256.7 crore, the company said in a regulatory statement.

During the quarter under review, net sales went up 25 percent to Rs.12,002.68 crore as compared to Rs.9,539.47 crore in the corresponding period last year.

The company will spend Rs.17,000 crore for capacity expansion this year. It had about 31,000 MW capacity at the end of March.