Q&A | Capital Credit Forms | Return to Start/Connect Existing Service

As a not-for-profit cooperative utility, Florida Keys Electric Cooperative allocates its margins -- the revenues earned in excess of the cost of doing business -- to its members. Margins are retained by FKEC for a number of years to improve the electric system. These margins are then returned to members as "Capital Credits."

Refunds are based on the amount of electricity each member purchased in the year being refunded, so refund amounts vary in proportion to the amount of electricity each member used in that year.

All former and current FKEC members have capital credits, which have been or will be allocated to them. When a member discontinues service, they remain eligible for a future refund. A big challenge and essential part of this process is maintaining your current address. It is crucial that you notify us of any address changes. Your cooperation in keeping us informed of your most recent address, whether you are a present or past member, will ensure that you receive the credits you have earned. Update Contact Information online or call 305-852-2431 or 800-858-8845.

Q&A: Capital Credits

Common questions about capital credits are answered below.

Q: Why did I receive a Capital Credit check from FKEC?
A: As noted above, FKEC is a not-for-profit utility, which means it allocates all revenues earned in excess of the cost of doing business (called "margins") to the members it serves. Each member has an individual "Capital Credits Account" with FKEC, and the dollar amount allocated to each account is based on the amount of electricity each individual member purchased for the year. Margins are retained by FKEC for a number of years to improve the electric system. The margins are then returned to members as Capital Credits checks. Active members due less than $100 will instead receive bill credits.

Q: Why does FKEC give back profits to its members when other utilities don't?
A: Although cooperative utilities provide power to homes and businesses in the same way as other types of electric utilities, cooperatives are owned by consumers (not private investors or the government). All cooperatives are also guided by seven principles that reflect the best interests of those consumers. One of the seven principles is "Members' Economic Participation," which means that all members contribute equitably to the capital of their cooperative.

Q: Why are the checks for all different amounts? Shouldn't we all get a fair share?
A: Individual refunds amounts are fair, because they are based on the percentage of revenue each member contributed in the year being refunded. So the refund amounts vary in proportion to the amount of electricity used by each member in that year.

Q: Why didn't I get a check?
A: Because margins are retained for a number of years before being returned, you had to be a member in the refund year to get a check this year. It is important that members moving away from the area keep a current address on file with FKEC in order to receive refunds in the future.

Q: My name has changed, what should I do?
A: If your name has changed, contact either FKEC office to change the name(s) on the account. We will begin to reissue checks in January.

Q: The member is deceased, what should I do?
A: Contact FKEC for an application. Once complete, it will be reviewed by our attorney and a check reissued based on his instructions.

Q: Do you have forms available online?
A: Capital Credits transfer forms currently available online:

* Application to Transfer Capital Credits of Deceased Members (4 pages)

* Affidavit of Transfer of Capital Credits for Active Corporations (2 pages)

* Affidavit of Transfer of Capital Credits for Dissolved Corporations (2 pages)

Q: I have more questions. Who should I talk to?
A: Contact the Tavernier office (305-852-2431) and ask for Member Service. You can also email member.service@fkec.com

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