Your Membership
Membership is obtained by completing an application form and paying a membership fee and deposit. This entitles the new member to electric service. The fee and deposit are refunded when the consumer leaves the lines and all accounts for services are paid.

Membership Status
Southwest Rural Electric Co-op members are urged to keep the Cooperative informed of any changes in their membership status (including name and address changes) so that the records can be kept current.

This is especially important in the distribution of Capital Credit refunds as they are allocated and paid.

Capital Credits
Capital Credits (margins) are to a Cooperative what profits are to a private business. Because we are a member-owned entity, SWRE strives to operate all segments of operation at cost. As a result, any margins (profits) are returned to you the member. Your share of these margins is called Capital Credits.

At the end of the year, net margins are allocated to each member in proportion to the member's Cooperative purchases during the year. The Board of Trustees decides when to retire Capital Credits based on the Cooperative's financial condition in October or November.

In the meantime, SWRE utilizes the money as working capital for operating and reinvesting in the Cooperative until a determination is made.

SWRE offers members the value and convenience of the Co-op Power Plus VISA Card with two options: a rebate card that allows up to $100 in rebates per year or a low interest rate card. Both cards are available in platinum and classic styles.

The Co-op Power Plus VISA rebate card offers the following benefits:

• Members earn 3% on electric bills automatically charged to the card through SWRE's Automatic Bank Draft program.
• Members earn 2% on the payment of your electric bill or any other purchase of products from SWRE when using the card.
• Members earn 1% on all other card transactions.
• Rebates are tracked on the card statement and when $50 is accumulated, a $50 check is printed on the bottom of the next card statement. Cardholders can earn a maximum of two $50 rebate checks per year and can carry up to $50 in rebate points into the next year.

The card carries a low fixed introductory interest rate for the first six months and one of the lowest variable rates thereafter.

For members who normally carry a balance, the lower interest rate card may be preferred.

• No annual fee
• Standard and platinum cards offered
• Grace period of 20-25 days after the statement closing date to repay the balance of purchases provided to the member before incurring a finance charge on new purchases
• Credit lines ranging from $1,000 to $25,000
• 24-hour toll-free card member service
• Easy access to account information by telephone
• Automatic travel accident insurance
• Free additional cards for family members
• Free balance transfers

For more information or to apply for a Co-op Power Plus VISA call our SWRE offices at 1-800-256-7973