Your capital credit allocation stays connected to your name until the date of distribution – so please keep OPALCO posted of address changes. If a member dies, a representative of the estate must request the credits by submitting a Application for Retirement of Decedent Capital Credits. Any capital credits distributed before their full term are discounted.

Capital credits represent each member’s ownership in the Co-op. OPALCO does not earn profits. Instead, revenues over and above the cost of doing business are called “margins.” Margins represent an interest-free loan for operating capital made to the cooperative by the membership. Capital credits are returned to members on a 25-year cycle. For example, in 2008, OPALCO retired the capital credits allocated in 1983. The decision to issue capital credits is made by our Board of Directors after a thorough examination of the financial position of the Co-op at year’s end. Your capital credit amount is allocated each summer (see it on your bill) and checks are mailed at year-end.

A member service representative can help you stop, move or change your electric service.

You can download an application to get started. Contact our member service team if you have questions. The membership fee to join the co-op is $5 – just like it was in 1937 when we got started.