Many Tricounty Rural Electric Cooperative members will see a lower electric bill around the holidays. This month, the local electric cooperative is returning over $589,000 from prior year’s margins to more than 6,000 current and former members. 

More than 4,400 eligible active co-op members will see a credit on their December electric bill (due in January); over 1,600 former members will receive a check. 
As a not-for-profit, community focused organization, Tricounty REC uses these margins for investments, such as building or replacing power lines, transformers, and other electric system upgrades to meet members’ evolving needs.

After being used as working capital, the money is returned to members. It represents each co-op member’s ownership — or equity — in his or her cooperative. Capital credits are allocated to members in proportion to the dollar amount of electricity used.

This month’s payment will go to those who used Tricounty REC’s services in 2005 and 2023. 
Including this year’s capital credits retirement, Tricounty REC has returned more than $22.4 million to its members over the last 47 years. 

"Returning nearly $600,000 in capital credits to over 6,000 current and former members is a powerful reminder that our members are not just customers — they are part-owners of their cooperative," said Tricounty REC CEO Brett Perkins. "This patronage cash back reflects our commitment to operating at cost and sharing the benefits of ownership with our members. Unlike other utilities, Tricounty is rooted in the communities we serve, ensuring members see both equity in our assets and a financial return for their trust and partnership."