FREDERICTON - NB Power says a net loss of $15 million during the first quarter was due in part to an unplanned outage at the Point Lepreau nuclear generating station.

The utility says despite the net loss, they were able to pay down $16 million in debt and anticipate positive earnings this year.

The Crown corporation says expenses increased $27 million during the first quarter because of the unplanned outage.

The company says its overall revenue was up by $12 million, due to a two per cent rate increase in October 2014 and an increase of out-of-province sales.

The Point Lepreau nuclear generating station was shut down for about a month this spring due to problems with a fuelling machine and heat transport system.

The 660 megawatt generating station produces enough electricity to power more than 333,000 homes.