Board Approves $1.5 Million in Capital Credits
High West Energy is thrilled to announce that our Board of Directors has approved the retirement of approximately $1.5 million in Capital Credits for 2025. This amount consists of money allocated to members from the years 1996, 1997, and 2024.
Members of cooperatives share in the ownership, construction, maintenance, and growth of the co-op. When you move into a home or establish a business in our service territory, you become part of our cooperative, and a capital credit account is set up in your name.
What are Capital Credits?
At the end of every fiscal year, any funds remaining after expenses have been paid are allocated to each member's patronage capital account based on the electricity they used the previous year. The Board will then determine if the cooperative is financially healthy enough to retire a portion of that allocated capital, which members receive as Capital Credits.
How will I receive Capital Credits?
For all members receiving $50 or less in Capital Credits, the amounts will automatically be applied as a bill credit. This bill credit is generally reflected on members' November billing statements. Members who are receiving more than $50 have several choices as to how they would like their payout:
- You can apply the credit to your bill.
- You can donate your credits to Operation RoundUp®, an account used to offer financial support to other members in a time of loss or need.
- You can receive a check for the full amount in the mail.
"It's a privilege to announce this retirement, made possible by our Board and extraordinary team who care deeply about our members," said Jared Routh, CEO and General Manager of High West Energy. "As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of our industry, it's always a pleasure to give back to the people who make our cooperative strong."
If you became a member in 2024, you would get a check automatically unless you called to request one of the other options listed above. If you received a dividend in 2024, you would get this year's capital credits in the same way you received last year's, unless you call to request a change. We will automatically apply your credits to your account if you have a past-due balance.
If you move, please provide us with your new address so we can continue to refund eligible credits in the future. In addition, when a member passes away, the patronage capital account is available for estate retirement. A representative of the estate should contact High West Energy to settle the account.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office as we are always here to serve you.
2026 Scholarships Now Open
Education powers communities just like electricity does, and we are proud to announce that our 2026 scholarship program is now open for high school seniors and college students. Not interested in going to college? Well, we also have scholarships for students interested in line work. Over the past few years, we've proudly awarded $10,000 each year in scholarships to students who are dependents of High West Energy members. The average cost of college tuition per year is almost $30,000, and trade school tuition can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the type of program and length of the program. Scholarships not only help cover part of the cost of college, but they also ease the stress of pursuing higher education or trade school. Our scholarship program exists to simply give back to our devoted members and their families. We believe that investing in education, whether in the classroom or in the field, helps build brighter futures and stronger communities. Together, we're powering opportunity for the next generation.
Where do I begin?
Our application process is super simple! Head to www.highwest.coop or click the links below for the fillable web form. There are no paper applications. With the application, you will need to submit two recommendation letters, as well as any supporting documents, like a resumé. Please note that our website does not save your progress in the application, so have all supporting documents ready to go before you begin the fillable form.
2026 General Scholarship Program Application | High West Energy Cooperative.
2026 Line Worker Scholarship Program Application | High West Energy Cooperative.
2026 Scholarship Recommendation Letters | High West Energy Cooperative.
When are scholarships due?
Scholarships are due on Monday, February 2, 2026, by 5 PM.
What does the process look like?
Once applications are turned in, each application is sent to a panel of judges outside of High West Energy. The judges panel has about three weeks to review and score each application. All scholarship applicants will be notified of their selection status by mail in March 2026. Recipients will be highlighted at our annual meeting as well as in printed materials.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact our office or email scholarships@highwest.coop. We want to be part of your success, so any questions are welcome!
Youth Tour 2026 Application Now Open!
Every generation leaves behind a legacy, footprints that shape the future. The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour is your chance to do the same. For over 60 years, electric cooperatives have sent high school students to Washington, D.C., to discover their voice, step into history, and begin writing the story only they can tell.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience isn’t just about seeing the nation’s capital. It’s about preparing students to lead, to grow, and to make their mark on the world.
What’s in it for students?
Delegates from Wyoming will join more than 1,800 students from across the country in Washington, D.C., June 15-21, 2026. During the trip, students will:
- Develop leadership skills through hands-on experiences and workshops
- Strengthen their resumes with a nationally recognized program that stands out to colleges and employers
- Connect with peers from 44 states, building friendships that last long after the trip
- Meet with elected officials and learn how government impacts their communities
- Experience history up close by visiting world-class museums and monuments
- Learn about cooperatives and how they support rural communities across America
The best part? Expenses, including lodging, meals, and program costs, are covered by High West Energy. The only part we ask for help with is transportation to the Wyoming Rural Electric Association (WREA) and picking up your student from there when they return. The program is coordinated by WREA and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).
Don’t Let This Opportunity Pass By
Applications for Youth Tour are now open and are due to WREA by Friday, December 19th. If you know a high school student who is ready to grow as a leader and take the next step in their journey, encourage them to apply today.
For further details and the application, click this link!
