As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, when SDCEA’s annual revenue exceeds costs, that positive margin is used as operating capital — and over time, it may be returned to you as capital credits when our financial position and board policy allow. SDCEA returns these margins to our members (account holders) rather than to outside shareholders.
Active members who had service during an approved year will see a bill credit applied to their November bill.
Former members will receive a refund check — so if you move, please make sure we have your current mailing address on file.
In December 2025, we retired $269,521 in capital credits covering the years 1998 and 2005. This included account credits to 3,563 active accounts and refund checks mailed to 3,676 inactive accounts.
Some refund checks were returned due to invalid addresses or were never cashed. If you recognize a name on the list below, please ask that person — or their heirs — to contact us. Members also have the option to donate unclaimed funds to our annual scholarship program, the Power of Change program, or the Shine Your Light program.
How can a refund and a rate increase happen in the same year? Capital credit refunds are a return on past investments — tied to the poles, wires, and infrastructure funded during the years those credits were earned. Current rates are set separately to cover system investments that are necessary today. The two are not in conflict, they just reflect different time periods.
If you have questions or if you know someone on the list, send an email to info@myelectric.coop. Alternatively, call us toll-free at 844-395-2412.
