the first five months of this year increased about two percent over the same period in 1997.

Total sales were up 6.19 percent due to increased customer demand thanks to new facilities such as the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, Renaissance House, CedarBridge Academy and the expansion of the American International Building.

The information is contained in a letter to shareholders from Belco president and chief executive officer Gary Madeiros.

Residential sales rose 2.35 percent for the five months.

Sales at Bermuda Gas & Utility Co. Ltd., a subsidiary, rose about 17 percent during the five months.