One of the best parts of the Christmas season is the spirit of giving — and receiving. It’s a time when people go out of their way to do something kind, share a little extra, or simply enjoy the joy of the season. At Fulton County REMC, we join in that tradition with our own special way of giving back through capital credits to our members.

Capital credits can sound confusing, but they’re really simple. When you’re a member of Fulton County REMC, you’re not just a customer, you’re an owner. That means when the cooperative brings in more money than it needs to cover operating costs and improvements, those extra funds eventually get returned to you. Unlike investor-owned utilities, which send profits to shareholders, we reinvest them in the people who make up our membership.

This year, Fulton County REMC is retiring capital credits from 1992, along with funds from Wabash Valley Power Alliance, our generation and transmission cooperative. Wabash Valley is also a cooperative, and just like you own a part of Fulton County REMC, we own a part of Wabash Valley. They generate and supply the electricity we deliver, and when they have extra funds after covering expenses, a portion is returned to us. This year, Wabash Valley is retiring funds from 1998, 2005 through 2007, and 2024. Our board of directors reviews the cooperative’s finances and decides when it’s safe to return these funds. Thanks to their careful planning, we’re able to share these credits with members this year. It’s the cooperative way — everyone works together, and everyone benefits.

Not every current member will receive a retirement this year. Only those who had electric service during the years being retired will receive one, and the amount depends on your use during those years. For everyone else, there will be future opportunities. Until then, these funds help maintain and improve the cooperative, keeping your service reliable and strong.

When you see a credit on your bill or receive a check in the mail, it’s more than just a little extra money. It’s a thank you. It’s a reminder that this is your co-op, built and sustained by the people it serves. As we head into the holidays and a new year, it’s nice to pause and think about how being part of a cooperative connects us all. Whether it’s the linemen out in the cold keeping your power on, the employees behind the scenes, or the members who make it all possible, we’re all part of the same team.

From all of us at Fulton County REMC, we wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. May your homes be warm, your lights be bright, and your holidays be filled with peace and cheer.