C & L Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit business.
It charges a fair rate for electricity and uses the money to make sure there’s enough power for every Member. The revenue is used to maintain equipment, build lines and run the business. Anything that is left over is returned to the Members in the form of Capital Credits.
Capital Credits are the most important distinction between a cooperative and any other form of business. Members of the cooperative have a financial stake in the business. This is called Member Economic Participation and is one of the principles on which this business was founded. That is why it is so important that each and every person who receives electricity from C & L Electric understands that they are Members of the cooperative, not just consumers.
Capital Credits are assigned to each account and refunded when financial conditions permit. How much a member receives is based on how much electricity they used during the year being allocated.