FAQ

1. How is an electric cooperative different than a traditional investor owned electric company?

Both an electric cooperative and an investor owned utility distribute electricity to end-users pretty much the same way. The main difference between the two entities is more related to the fact that an electric cooperative is a not-for-profit organization owned by those it serves. An investor owned company is owned by stockholders, who may or may not be customers. Cooperatives are setup to provide services at cost to its members. The profit margins made by a cooperative are invested in plant and equipment. When prudent financial considerations allow, previously retained profit margins are returned to the cooperative’s members by way of a capital credit check. Your rights and obligations as a member are outlined in Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc.’s Bylaws provided at your request.

2. Why do my lights sometimes blink?

The majority of temporary power interruptions are caused by equipment installed on our power lines to detect faults and correct the condition before a permanent outage can occur. A lot of these temporary faults are caused by trees or animals like squirrels, birds, and snakes contacting the power lines and equipment. Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. spends a significant amount of money trimming trees and installing guards and barriers on its equipment to minimize these conditions. If you experience any momentary interruptions with regularity, please contact us as soon as possible so we can investigate your concerns.

3. Why am I required to pay a membership fee and what are the advantages and obligations of being a member-owner of an electric cooperative?

When you apply and accept service you become a member-owner of the Cooperative. The fee is a one-time refundable charge of $25.00. When you decide to discontinue your membership, we will refund the membership fee. As a member, you have the right to vote at annual meetings and district meetings as well as elect a member of the Board to represent your district. The bylaws of the Cooperative more fully explain your rights and obligations as a member.

4. Each month on my bill there is a PCRF charge. What is this?

PCRF stands for Power Cost Recovery Factor, a.k.a. fuel cost. This is the portion of your bill that varies each month based on the cost of fuel to generate electricity. This factor rises and falls as fuel costs move up and down.

5. Can I get my deposit waived?

Some security deposits can be waived with a satisfactory letter of credit from a previous electric utility service provider. You must have less than 2 late payments within a previous 12 month period prior to applying for service. Contact your local district office for more details.

6. Why do I get a notice telling me to expect a power outage on a certain date & time?

Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc.’s electric delivery system requires perpetual maintenance to maintain reliable service. We will occasionally need to interrupt power to homes and businesses while some of this work is being performed. We do our best to inform all affected members beforehand. We fully understand that these planned outages can be inconvenient, so we do our best to make them as short as possible. We really appreciate your patience and understanding during these times.