* EBITDA boosted by higher grid fees, grid acquisition
* Net impacted by higher financial charges
(Adds details, share price)
MILAN, July 28 (Reuters) - Italian power grid operator Terna SpA posted a 23.8 percent rise in first-half core earnings on Tuesday, largely due to higher grid fees and consolidation of a high-voltage grid which offset a fall in production.
In a statement, Terna said it expects its second-half core earnings, or before interest taxes depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA), to be substantially in line with the first half as the power grid it bought from Enel, consolidated as of April 1, boosts revenues.
On Monday Britain's largest utility, National Grid, said it expected a strong performance this year, adding current trading was in line with expectations and forecasting improved profit in its electricity distribution and generation business.
Spain's power grid Red Electrica will report its first-half results on Thursday
Terna, Europe's biggest independent power grid operator in terms of assets, said its first-half EBITDA was 507 million euros.
Its net profit rose 1.0 percent to 207.5 million euros due mainly to higher financial charges compared to the same period the previous year that was helped by derivative contract proceeds.
Terna shares were up 0.82 percent at 2.465 euros while the the DJ Stoxx utilities index was 0.68 percent firmer.
(Reporting by Stephen Jewkes; editing by Simon Jessop)