Capital Credits are a vital part of the electric cooperative business. When you sign up for service with Sam Houston Electric Cooperative, you become more than a customer, you are a Member-Owner. That's why Capital Credits are so important - they represent your ownership stake in Sam Houston EC.

As a Member-Owner, your patronage each month supports the operation and financial well being of your Cooperative. Sam Houston EC is committed to delivering reliable electricity and exemplarily service at the lowest possible cost. We are not driven to generate profits for investors. When the Cooperative saves money, you should be the beneficiary.

Each year, Sam Houston Electric Cooperative's Board Members, who are Member-Owners like us, vote to refund a portion of Capital Credits to eligible accounts after deeming that the Cooperative's operation costs and debt covenants for the year have been met.

Capital Credit Refunds are based on your total usage. The more electricity you use, the higher your refund. Be sure to check your October bill for your Capital Credits. It's another benefit of being a Member-Owner of Sam Houston Electric.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are Capital Credits?

Capital Credits are your ownership stake in Sam Houston Electric Cooperative. Your electric usage each month pays for the costs of electricity and its delivery to your home or business and ensures the financial heath of your Cooperative.

Why does Sam Houston Electric return Capital Credits?

As an electric cooperative, Sam Houston Electric is in the business of supplying reliable electricity and exemplary service at the lowest possible cost. We are not in the business of enriching investors. When the Cooperative saves money, you benefit

How are capital credits figured?

After Sam Houston Electric Cooperative's Board Members vote to refund a portion of Capital Credits to eligible accounts after deeming that the Cooperative's operation costs and debt covenants for the year have been met, your refund is determined by taking a percentage of your total billing. The more electricity you use, the higher your refund.

Why did my neighbor, friend, etc., get a credit but I didn't?

Your Capital Credit refund is determined by your total usage. If you did not receive a refund this year, then this year's usage will be rolled over into next year's Capital Credit calculations.

I have multiple accounts. Why does only one of my accounts receive the refund?

Capital credits are tied to the member's identification number that is assigned to all of his or her account numbers. The total of all of the account credits is applied in one lump sum to one account.

How does Sam Houston Electric determine which account to post capital credit to?

If you have multiple accounts, our billing system will apply the Capital Credit to the account with the largest balance. If all you accounts are current, our system will apply it to the account with the highest usage. However, if you would like your credit applied to a specific account, please call a Member Services Representative at (800) 459-0381.

Why is it applied as a credit to my account instead of sending me a check?

In order to keep costs down and maximize the amount of Capital Credit Refunds we distribute, Sam Houston EC automatically applies it to your account. This saves the expense of printing and mailing 50,000 checks.

What do I do with this check made out to my deceased relative?

You can sign your relative named with the estate behind it and then sign your name below it. You can then deposit the check in your bank, cash it or bring it here and we can cash it, depending on the amount.