What are Capital Credits?
There's a special message on the front of your May 2013 Trico bill stating your Capital Credit Allocation and total Capital Credit balance.

One of the great benefits of being a Member of Trico Electric Cooperative is that, each year, you're assigned a share of any net margins Trico earns. This is called 'capital credits' and your share is based on the amount of energy you purchased.

The decision to pay out, or 'retire,' a portion of the Capital Credit allocations to you is made each year by the Trico Board of Directors. This decision is based on a number of factors, including the financial conditon and working capital needs of the Co-op, and is subject to any regulatory or lender restrictions.

Capital Credit allocation payments are typically made in December by check. Allocation payments of less than $10 are held until the total due to the Member exceed $10, and are paid at that time. Capital Credits remain yours even if you move out of Trico’s service territory. In order to receive future retirement payments of Capital Credits, it’s important to keep your account current and to notify Trico each time your address changes, even if it’s out of Trico’s service area. Capital Credits on closed accounts are refunded on the same schedule as Trico Members.

How are your capital credits determined?
Your share for the preceding year is calculated based on the amount of kilowatt-hours you used and paid for. This share is called ‘capital credits.’ Each year, your total capital credit allocation is noted on your monthly electric bill.

When will checks be issued?
Later this year, the Trico Board of Directors, after reviewing Trico's financials, will determine if it's possible to pay out Capital Credits. If the Board determines that Capital Credits can be paid out, checks would go out at end of December. The refund must exceed $10 before a check will be issued. Refunds of less than $10 are retained until the minimum amount is accumulated.

If you move or no longer have service Trico must have your current address in order to send you capital credit notices and refunds in the future.

Will the total capital credit amount be refunded after I terminate electric service?
Early retirement of capital credits is not allowed when electric service is terminated. When capital credits are retired (paid back), inactive accounts are included in the retirement calculation until their balances are fully retired.  Refunds will be issued subject to the $10 check minimum limitation. This is why it’s critical that Trico have your current mailing address on file.

What happens when capital credit checks are not cashed?
All unclaimed capital credit funds are given to the Trico Foundation, which provides scholarships to Trico Members and their families living in Trico’s service area.

Have more questions?
Call 744-2944, ext. 1519, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it