Hawaiian Electric Co.’s customers on Oçahu would see their monthly electric bill increase by $6.48, under an interim rate increase approved today by the state Public Utilities Commission.

HECO said today that the PUC issued an interim order approving a 4.7 percent rate hike for its 294,000 customers, which will increase company revenues by $61.1 million.
The rate increase, whose effective date has not yet been set, comes at a time with electricity costs have risen this summer due higher fuel prices.
“We know how difficult a rate increase is in this economy but it is our responsibility to meet the energy needs of our customers,” said Robbie Alm, HECO executive vice president.
Under the PUC’s order, the typical residential household using 600 kilowatt-hours a month will see their monthly bill go from $122,58 to $129.06, HECO said.