Thousands of past and long-term Chugach Electric Association members are to receive a share of a $3.8 million retail capital credits retirement approved by the Chugach board at its November meeting.

Over the past 20 years, the Chugach cooperative has returned more than $48 million in capital credits to its members.

Chugach has mailed checks or gave credit on accounts to more than 33,000 former and current members of record for the remainder of capital credits earned in 1986 and a portion of credits earned in 1987. Each member's share was based on the amount of energy purchased and the profits Chugach achieved in those years.

Active members who were due less than $600 from the retirement received a credit on their accounts. While the average member will receive a check or credit in the amount of $84, the largest check issued was nearly $153,000. Members leaving the Chugach system should provide a forwarding address and keep Chugach updated on future moves until all of their allocated capital credits have been retired.

Current members may check the status of their capital credits accounts online at www.chugachelectric.com. Past and current members may also receive information about their capital credits accounts by calling customer service at (907) 563-7366.

Chugach is the largest electric utility in Alaska, providing power for Alaskans throughout the Railbelt through retail, wholesale and economy energy sales.