State regulators gave Hawaii Electric Light Co. approval to increase electric rates on Hawaii island.

On Monday, the state Public Utilities Commission said HELCO can increase rates by $9.94 million, or 3.42 percent, in an “interim” decision.

“The commission finds that the evidentiary record shows HELCO’s probable entitlement to the above referenced interim rate increase,” the PUC said in the order issued Monday.

HELCO can apply the rates approved in the interim decision as soon as the utility files a detailed outline of the new rates to the PUC and the agency approves the language.

Regulators could rule differently in the final decision. If the final decision approves lower rates than the interim, HELCO must refund customers the difference with interest. There is no deadline for the PUC to issue a final ruling.