Just ask Jim MacInnes about Cherryland Electric Cooperative’s patronage capital returns and his face light up like… well, a Christmas tree.

“We appreciate the capital credit returns because they effectively lower our electricity cost,” said Jim, who, along with wife Chris, are the owners of Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, a longtime Cherryland member.

“And not only does it lower our costs, but it allows us to invest that capital in projects like the continuing upgrading of our snowmaking system. That’s essential to not only keeping our slopes open, but maintaining the pristine condition of the slopes.”

Patronage capital returns, or capital credits, is money or credit returned to Cherryland members after the cooperative’s bills are paid for that year. In 2014, Cherryland returned a record $4.3 million to its 34,000 members.

The amount each member receives depends on how long the member has been on Cherryland’s lines and how much electricity they use.

“Patronage capital is what sets co-op’s apart,” said Cherryland board president Terry Lautner. “There are other things co-ops do that our members appreciate. But returning money to them as either a credit on their bill or a check for our larger members is always popular.”

Cherryland directors and employees were comparing notes at the November board meeting, nothing how many phone calls and face-to-face conversations they had with members who appreciated getting help with their bills just before the holidays.

Returning patronage capital, plus educating members on the importance of energy optimization and conservation, is important not only to Cherryland’s mission, but also to its members.

Crystal Mountain, for instance, finds huge savings in energy optimization.

“We’ve always been on the cutting edge of energy optimization,” said MacInnes. “Reducing consumption of energy and materials is a core business strategy here. We invest in LED lighting for our rooms and public spaces. We monitor our energy consumption on a daily basis and we use electric vehicles. Those are just a few of the things we stress at Crystal.”

Crystal and Cherryland have worked hand-in-hand over the years on developing more ways to save energy… and money.

“Some of the energy optimization credits and other incentives provided by Cherryland have made a real difference in the decision to move forward with projects,” said MacInnes. “Ultimately, an energy saving device represents a long term annuity of costs savings which goes well beyond the payback period.”

With their patronage capital money in hand and the latest in energy optimization being utilized, Crystal is looking forward to a banner ski season in 2015.

“We got off to an early start because of the snow we got in mid-November,” said MacInnes. “We always try to offer something new to our guests and this year is no different.”

Crystal has opened two new slopes this year, a glades run named Last Call and a beginner’s park called Jester’s Alley. Their Burton Learn-to-Ride Center will be just the sixth in the Midwest. Off-slope, Crystal will be expanding its fat tire bike trail system and the Michigan Legacy Art Park will have dedicated snowshoe trails in which to enjoy its 48 sculptures.