Electric cooperatives like East Central are not-for-profit organizations that are owned by their members. They do not exist to generate profits for a group of investors.
Any profit we would make is returned to our members as capital credit.
It is what’s left of the revenue after all the expenses have been paid at the end of the year.
Think about it like a pie.
The pie belongs to all our members. Your share is based on the amount of energy you use. If you use a lot of energy per year, you get a bigger piece of the cooperative pie.
Your piece of the pie is reflected on the Capital Credit Allocation Notice you receive each summer. 
Unfortunately, we cannot return the total allocation amount to our members immediately. The co-op could not function.
We must keep some funds on hand for operating expenses and co-op needs, like equipment maintenance and repairs from storm damage. We also save funds to address unexpected emergencies.
So how much gets returned?
The member-elected Board of Directors evaluates the financial needs of the co-op every year and determines how much of the pie can be returned to members.
This is your capital credit retirement, or refund.
Remember, capital credits are yours to keep. Any allocation you receive will be returned to you, whether you remain an East Central member, or move off our lines.
Be sure to keep your address and contact information up-to-date to ensure you get your piece of the pie.