What are capital credits and how are they calculated?
Because we’re a not-for-profit cooperative, we give profits (known as margins) back to our members in the form of capital credits.
The amount you’re owed is based upon the amount of revenue you contribute to the cooperative through payment of your monthly bills during a year in which the co-op collected more than it spent. In 2022, we retired $1.2 million worth of capital credits from 1995 and half of capital credits from 1996.
When to expect your capital credits
All capital credits from 1995 and earlier have been returned. That is more than $32 million to members since 1975!
Our member-elected board of directors determines whether our co-op’s financial position permits the return of capital credits, the amount of which will be returned to members and which year or years are returned. Typically capital credits are returned in December.
Capital credits helps keep our rates low as it lowers the amount of funds we need to borrow in a given year.
Unclaimed capital credits
Have any of your friends or family members moved out of Piedmont Electric Cooperative’s service area over the last few years? If a member moves away and we don’t have their new address, they could have money waiting for them in the form of capital credits or uncashed checks.
Visit pemc.coop/capitalcredit to search for unclaimed capital credits for your friends and family members who have moved.
We always attempt to contact former members that are owed money, but if capital credits go unclaimed for more than four years, they have to be turned over to the state treasurer’s office. That money can be claimed by visiting nccash.com.
Thanks in advance for helping us return money to former members!
Have You Named a Beneficiary for Your Capital Credits?
Did you know that you can designate a beneficiary for your capital credits? By doing so, the person or organization of your choosing will receive the funds you’re owed should you pass away. When you take this step, you can save your loved ones the time and cost of going through the clerk of courts to get your capital credit funds.
To set up or change your beneficiary at any time, please visit pemc.coop/beneficiary and download the designation form. Once you fill out the form, you’ll need to get it notarized before returning it to Piedmont Electric Cooperative or visit our office to sign it.
Would you prefer to donate your capital credits in a way that will directly impact your community? Consider setting up a designation to donate your capital credits to our Helping Hand Foundation in your name upon your passing. Call us at 800.222.3107 for assistance.