THIS IS YOUR COOPERATIVE

As you pay your monthly electric bills, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative uses the income to grow, operate and maintain a safe and reliable electrical system. Any money received over and above the cost of doing business is called margins. Your portion of the margins is then returned to you in the form of capital credits. In co-op utilities, the profits are returned to you, the consumer-member. In other types of utilities, the profits go to stockholders.

Due to positive feedback in 2020 when ECEC applied capital credits to member's energy bills, the Board implemented this change moving forward. Applying this credit directly to member's bills will help save money for the Cooperative by avoiding printing and postage costs. Our members will avoid the hassle of cashing or depositing a check. Everyone avoids postal delays or lost mail.

1. Co-op member uses electricity provided by ECEC.
2. ECEC tracks member electricity use and payments.
3. Year-end accounting and audit are completed. Financial obligations of the cooperative are met.
4. Board approves the portion of the margins to be distributed to members as credits.
5. Capital Credits are distributed to qualifying members:
   • Active Members: On-bill credits less than $250 are applied their monthly energy bills; checks are mailed to members for credits greater than $250.
   • Inactive Members receive a mailed check if they meet all qualifications.