At first glance, electric cooperatives, investor-owned utilities, and municipal utilities seem similar—and in some respects, they are. All provide electricity and strive for safe, reliable service. But there are many differences, including one important aspect called capital credits.
As described on our website, capital credits represent your ownership of ECE. By rotating your equity through the cooperative, you are an owner of the co-op. You’re also equitably paying for the distribution system we all benefit from. Capital credits provide fair ownership of the cooperative and allow the organization to acquire low-interest loans to fund system upgrades that enhance reliability and, ultimately, help keep rates as reasonable as possible.
Cooperative membership is a powerful thing. Your financial participation in the co-op affords you the opportunity to vote in elections, campaign for a director position, share your thoughts at annual meetings, and attend board meetings if you choose. Of course, receiving a capital credits payout is also a nice benefit that makes co-ops unique. Rather than excess income going to investors, it circles back to you. We’re proud to power your life in every way we can.
So even though all poles and wires can look similar, the way a co-op operates is different…a little thing we like to call “the cooperative difference.” Thank you for being an ECE member!
At your service we remain,
Justin