BAKER CITY – For the 14th consecutive year, Oregon Trail Electric Consumers Cooperative (OTECC) is distributing capital credit checks to its members.

The credits accrue when the cooperative’s earnings exceed their expenses.

This year, OTECC will return about $2.1 million to its members, which represents a portion of each member’s capital credit account.

Over the past 14 years OTECC has returned about $16.9 million in capital credit refunds to its members.

“OTECC members are fortunate to have a board of directors committed to the cooperative principles,” said Werner Buehler, general manager. “The evolving nature of the utility business and power supply in the Northwest may not always allow for annual capital credit checks or amounts of this magnitude in the future, but members can always rest easy knowing the Board and employees are committed to providing great service at the lowest cost possible.”

Announcing the checks, the board noted that one of the basic principles of a nonprofit, member-owned, cooperative is to return equity to its members.

“The board of directors is proud of the fact that the cooperative has had another successful year and that OTECC is able to return capital credits,” said Gary Miller, OTECC Board President.

Capital credit checks greater than $15 started going in the mail in mid-December. Any capital credit amount less than $15 will be credited to the member’s utility bill.