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Services & Capital Credits

Services & Capital Credits

Line Extension Credits

While it is the practice of most utilities to charge the customer upfront for the build-out of infrastructure, cooperatives like Columbia Rural Electric Association (REA) have a different philosophy:

  • We apply an upfront credit which varies by rate class to the total cost of construction
  • In addition, if all the costs of service installation are not covered by the line credit, Columbia REA provides the customer the option to finance any balance less the credit and amortize it up to a 10- year time period

In many cases, this credit allows development to actually take place. With the rising cost of construction, this policy facilitates the project to move forward. The idea is to aggregate the benefit of expansion for the membership while minimizing risk for the individual member.

Capital Credits

Each month when you pay your electric bill, Columbia REA uses that revenue to pay the operating expenses for providing electrical service. All excess revenues provide operating capital for the Cooperative and equity for you, the member. Your equity is called patron’s equity, or patronage capital. We retain this equity to retire debt, fund system improvements, and for operating capital. As this equity accumulates we retain the amount needed and then distribute the balance to members of the Cooperative.

Allocation Statement

In April of each year, all Columbia REA members receive an “allocation statement” in the mail that shows their “Patron’s Capital” for the previous year. The Patronage Capital statement you receive in the spring is a record of the amount allocated to your account for the subject year. Save this statement for your records. This is the amount that you will receive when that equity is refunded in the future. If you have questions or would like more information about patron’s equity please contact us by emailing Member Services.

Distributing Capital

Annually, our Board of Directors review the prospective years and equity percentage eligible for distribution back to members. At the discretion of the Board, Columbia REA will distribute excess patronage capital collected. Individuals or businesses who were members in that year or individuals assigned by the member according to the bylaws of Columbia REA receive a check or credit to their account.

Co-op Connections

Your membership, working for you! All members of Columbia REA receive a Co-op Connections card upon joining the cooperative.

  • Local and national businesses offer specials to all our members through the Co-op Connections program
  • Search all local and national deals at the Co-op Connections website, select Co-op Deals, enter your zip, and scroll through all the great deals
  • Find your favorites and next time you shop with a Co-op Connections business, flash your membership card and receive great deals

Smartphone users can download the Co-op Connections app for free which makes shopping with our partners that much easier, find the app in the iTunes or Google Play store.

If you need a replacement Co-op Connections card, contact the Member Services Department during business hours at (509) 526-4041.

Become a Co-op Connections Business

We promote our local business partners on social and print media and encourage our members to do business with them. Contact us at (509) 526-4041 to review the contract and join the program.

Another Perk of Membership

Pharmacy Discount — This discount offers members the opportunity to save 10 to 60% on prescriptions at over 56,000 pharmacies nationwide including more than a dozen local ones. Find out more at the Co-op Connections website.