Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative will return $3.5 million capital credits to its members this month.

That’s the second-highest amount the cooperative has ever returned.

This is the 23rd straight year that OTEC, which was started in 1988, has returned capital credits, which are similar to dividends that a private company gives to shareholders.

Returns of less than $15 will be applied to the member’s December bill. Larger amounts will be returned via a check.