News

In December, First Electric Cooperative proudly returned $7 million to the people who make everything we do possible — our members. The capital credit refund represented your share of the cooperative’s margins from a full retirement of 2003 and a partial retirement of 2020–2024.

Capital credits are one of the defining benefits of being part of an electric cooperative. Unlike investor-owned utilities, First Electric exists solely to serve its members — not generate profits. When revenues exceed expenses, those margins are allocated back to members based on the amount of electricity they used during the year. When financial conditions allow, your Board of Directors authorizes refunds, ensuring the money goes right back where it belongs: to you.

With this year’s retirement of $7 million, First Electric has now returned more than $160.7 million to members since the cooperative was founded. It’s a powerful reminder of the cooperative difference and the value of member ownership.

We thank you for your continued trust in First Electric Cooperative. You helped build this cooperative — and now, through capital credits, YOU get the credit.