Understanding Your Capital Credits
As a member of our electric cooperative, you’re not just a customer—you’re a member-owner. That means when the co-op’s revenue exceeds its expenses, those net margins (what traditional businesses would call “profits”) are returned to members over time in the form of capital credits.
Capital credits are based on how much electricity you use each year. They’re yours to keep, even if you move, and are paid out over time according to the Board’s schedule.
Below, you’ll find answers to common questions about how capital credits work, how they’re retired, and how you can access them.
Current Unclaimed Capital Credits Information
Capital Credits FAQ
We’re member-owned and not-for-profit. Any margins we earn are returned to members as capital credits—something you won’t see from traditional utilities.
members, the wait is about 20 years after joining. Think of it like a line where the people who joined first get paid out first, so newer members are further back in line. The wait is long, but the credits are yours and they do not disappear. Once yours reach the front of the line, you will receive a check every year until they are fully retired.
Call us at (541) 688-8711. We can guide you through paperwork for early retirement of their capital credits.
Not directly. But if you get a check, you can bring it to the office and we can apply it to your account.
Allocated capital credits can be split. Contact our office—we’ll help with the form and process.
They’re based on how much electricity you use each year. More usage = larger share of margins.
Once a year, usually in May.
Allocated: Assigned to your account, not yet paid.
Retired: Paid out to you.
Your credits stay in your name and are paid out over time. Make sure we have your current contact info so you don’t miss future payments.
Call the office at (541) 688-8711 and we’ll help.
No.
Yes! Any member account is eligible.
When Capital Credits Become Permanent Equity
Blachly-Lane Electric seeks out the former member-owners who are due capital credits, even if they are no longer on our system. Approximately once a year, the co-op will post a notice in the the local paper (The Register-Guard) advertising unclaimed capital credits. At that time, the names of members or prior members with unclaimed capital credits will be listed on our website. If the member does not claim them and the capital credits remain unclaimed, then they become a part of the co-op’s equity.
It is important that all members, including past members, keep a current mailing address on file with Blachly-Lane in order to assure that they receive any capital credit checks issued to them. Update your mailing address by calling us at (541) 688-8711 or (800) 446-8418 Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 5:00 pm. You may also submit our contact form and we’ll call you to confirm your address change.
Other Questions
Please call our office at (541) 688-8711. We’re happy to talk with you about capital credits!