One of the benefits of your co-op membership is receiving capital credits. The board of trustees has approved the retirement of $640,000 back to members in the month of December. This, combined with estates throughout the year, will total $860,000 returned for 2021.  This marks the 45th consecutive general retirement year, totaling over $20 million returned to our members in the history of the co-op.

Current members who are due a refund will receive a credit on the electric bill they receive in December. Former Tricounty members who are due a refund will be mailed a check.

What are capital credits? Capital credits allocations are the profits, or margins, that are left at the end of the year after all expenses are paid.

How are capital credits calculated? Each year, net margins of the cooperative are divided among the members based on each member's electric energy usage for the year. Allocated capital credits appear as an entry on the permanent financial records of the cooperative. Each year, Tricounty notifies its members of the amount added to their patronage account by mailing an allocation notice.

When are capital credits paid back to the members? Annually, your board of trustees reviews the cooperative's financial position and determines how much to retire to the members. Retirements are made in the month of December. Current members receive a credit on their billing statement. Former members are mailed a check. 

What happens to my capital credits when I leave Tricounty's service area? Capital credits remain on the books in your name and member number until they are retired. When you are eligible for a refund, a check is mailed to the last address we have on file. Please ensure that we have a current mailing address for you, even if you move away from Tricounty's territory so that you will receive your check. 

What are unclaimed capital credits? Some of the refund checks mailed to former members are returned each year due to outdated addresses. We periodically publish a list of unclaimed capital credits checks. Our code of regulations provides that unclaimed capital credits be held for four years, and then they are reallocated to current members of the cooperative.

Have questions about capital credits? Call our office to learn more.