Back to the basics: Understanding capital credits

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Posted on Jul 31 2026 in Decatur County REMC

One of the things that makes Decatur County REMC different from an investor-owned utility is simple: we’re owned by the people we serve.

As a cooperative, we don’t exist to generate profits for outside shareholders. Instead, any margins remaining after operating expenses are allocated back to our members as capital credits, based on the amount of electricity each member purchased during the year.

Those margins help maintain and strengthen the electric system, ensuring we can continue to provide safe, reliable service. As the cooperative’s financial position allows, the board of directors approves the retirement of capital credits, returning those funds to members.

Over the years, Decatur County REMC has returned millions of dollars to current and former members through capital credit retirements. It’s one of the unique benefits of cooperative membership and a reminder that when the cooperative succeeds, our members benefit too.

Capital credits are more than a check in the mail — they’re a reflection of the cooperative business model. Every time you pay your electric bill, you’re investing in the cooperative you own, helping build a stronger electric system today while sharing in its long-term success.

It’s just one more way your cooperative works differently — and one more reason being a member matters.

2026 Capital credit retirement

This year, Decatur County REMC’s Board of Directors has approved the retirement of full or partial capital credits allocated from the years: 1994  |  1995  |  1998 | 1999  |  2000

Over the years, a few things have changed. Some members may remember stopping by the office to pick up their capital credit check. Today, we’ve made the process even easier.

Current members

If you currently receive electric service from Decatur County REMC, your capital credit retirement will automatically appear as a credit on your August electric bill.

Former members

If you no longer receive electric service from Decatur County REMC, your capital credit retirement will be mailed to you as a check at your current address on file.