Every time you pay your electric bill to Edgecombe-Martin County EMC, you’re doing more than paying for power — you’re helping invest in your cooperative. Because EMC is a not-for-profit, member-owned utility, any revenue left after covering operating costs belongs to the members. These funds are known as capital credits, one of the key benefits of cooperative membership.

Capital credits represent each member’s share of the cooperative’s margins — the difference between what members paid for electricity and what it actually cost to provide service. Instead of sending profits to shareholders, Edgecombe-Martin County EMC keeps these funds as working capital for a number of years to help pay for system improvements, equipment, and technology upgrades. This reduces the need to borrow money and helps keep rates as low as possible for members.

Each year, when financial conditions allow, the Edgecombe-Martin County EMC Board of Directors approves a retirement of capital credits, which returns a portion of those funds to members. This process allows members to share directly in the cooperative’s financial success while ensuring Edgecombe-Martin County EMC  remains financially strong and prepared for future needs.

This year, the Board has authorized the retirement of approximately $1,000,000 in capital credits. This retirement clears the remaining balances from 2003 and half of one percent of all allocations from 2004 through 2024. Beginning the second week of March 2026, eligible members will receive a check if their refund exceeds $25. Amounts of $25 or less will be applied as a bill credit.

To make sure you receive your capital credit refund, please keep your contact information current. Many checks are returned each year because of outdated addresses. If you’ve moved or changed your mailing information, contact us at 252-823-2171. Each March, we also publish a list of unclaimed capital credit checks on our website.