This year, South River EMC refunded $5,987,244 to current and past members.

As a not-for-profit cooperative, we don’t technically earn profits. Instead, any money remaining at the end of the year, called margins, is returned to the members who purchased energy from the Cooperative during that year.

Following is a breakdown of the numbers:

• 22,332 members received refund checks.
• 21,331 current members had their refund applied to their electric account.
• The remaining refunds for inactive members have been applied to outstanding balances or have been moved to a “hold” status because we do not have a valid current address or the amount is less than $50.

This year, the Cooperative is returning 20 percent of the amount allocated to members for 2021, as well as the remainder of the 2005 year; 100 percent of the 2006 year; and 45 percent of the 2007 year. The remaining 2021 amount will be refunded in 19 years, unless a member leaves South River EMC and chooses the early retirement option. That's all part of being a member.