Because you receive electric service from a not-for-profit cooperative, you are now a member and an owner, not just a customer. You have a financial stake in the success of this cooperative. That’s the co-op principle of member economic participation. Any revenues over and above the cost of doing business serve as your “member equity” in the cooperative. This is called your “capital credits.” Capital credits are what our members invest back into the cooperative. In doing so, you benefit from the development of the system that serves you as well as from the financial stability of the co-op you own. This investment provides a financial reserve and helps hold down rates. When financial conditions permit, the board of directors authorizes a retirement of a portion of the reserve capital credits to members. Watch for notices about annual capital credits allocations and retirements in your member newsletter.
