Not-For-Profit Power Puts Members First

Being a member of a not-for-profit electric cooperative like DEC comes with unique benefits — one of the most valuable being capital credits. As member-owners, you own a share of DEC. That ownership entitles you to a portion of the Co-op’s margins — often referred to as capital credits. These credits are essentially a return on each member’s investment in the Co-op, helping us generate and deliver electricity, maintain and upgrade our system and introduce new technologies to ensure power remains reliable and affordable. 

While every DEC member will receive capital credits eventually, the return typically begins 10 to 20 years after joining. This timeline ensures fairness to long-standing members who have helped build and maintain our infrastructure, while allowing new members time to build their own equity in the Co-op. Current DEC members will see their capital credit return applied as a billing credit on their November bill. Former members who are no longer served by DEC are also entitled to receive capital credits for the years they were part of the Co-op. These will be distributed by check. 

As November ushers in the season of gratitude and giving, we’re proud to give back to the people and communities that make DEC possible. We’re thankful for the trust you place in us to keep your lights on throughout the year. To learn more about capital credits, visit delaware.coop.