WINDSOR, Va. — Community Electric Cooperative (CEC) will implement a major change this December to reduce costs and bring even more value back to the member-owners it serves.
Starting this year, eligible members will see a “Capital Credit Refund” listed directly as a bill credit on their December electric bill. This new, paperless approach replaces the traditional method of mailing refund checks—a move that is expected to save the cooperative more than $200,000 each year in postage, printing, and paper expenses.
“We are continuously evaluating our processes and systems to find ways to save our members money,” said Jessica Parr, Manager of Communications at CEC. “We understand that the cost of living is always going up, so we are working diligently to mitigate that wherever we can. This change is just one example of how we’re thinking long-term and putting our members first.”
A Smarter Way to Refund Capital Credits
As a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative, CEC returns excess revenue—called margins—to its members each year. These margins are allocated as capital credits, which represent each member’s share based on the amount of electricity they used. CEC retains these credits for several years to reinvest in system improvements, then returns them to members on a rotating basis.
This December, CEC will retire and refund capital credits from 2006. Instead of sending physical checks, members will simply receive the refund as a credit on their electric bill, making the process more efficient, secure, and environmentally responsible.
Why It Matters
The new paperless refund system will:
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Save over $200,000 annually on check printing, mailing, and materials
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Reduce administrative overhead, allowing CEC to keep rates competitive
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Help avoid unnecessary borrowing by keeping more capital within the co-op
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Eliminate lost or delayed checks and reduce waste
These savings are directly tied to the cooperative’s mission to provide affordable, reliable service to its members while maintaining strong financial stewardship.
What Members Need to Do Starting in December
Before calling the office with questions about capital credit refunds, members should:
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Review their December electric bill
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Look for a line item labeled “Capital Credit Refund”
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Visit the CEC website
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View the Capital Credit Recipient List, which includes the last four digits of eligible account numbers
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If your number appears but the credit is missing from your bill, then contact the office for assistance
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🔗 https://www.comelec.coop/your-account/capital-credits/
Don’t Miss Out if You’ve Moved
Former members who received electric service from CEC in 2006 may still qualify for a refund. It is important that those members provide CEC with updated mailing addresses and contact information to ensure they receive future communications.
Community Electric Cooperative remains committed to supporting its members and finding innovative ways to deliver value while lowering costs. The switch to paperless capital credit refunds is another step toward a more efficient, member-focused future.