Alliant Energy earnings up

The cold winter was part of the reason for Madison-based Alliant Energy Corp.’s 54% profit increase in the first quarter of 2014 compared to last year. The utility company reported earnings of $108 million (97 cents/share) on revenues of $952.8 million this year, compared to earnings of $69.9 million (63 cents/share) on revenues of $859.6 million for first quarter of 2013.