Competitive Rates Decades of careful growth and planning have made Laurens Electric a remarkably stable electric provider whose customers enjoy quality electric service at affordable prices. Contributing to this stability is our alliance with Santee Cooper and electric cooperatives throughout our state. Because we're part of a statewide transmission and distribution system, we're able to keep the wholesale rates we pay low and assure our members an abundance of reasonably priced power. Another factor contributing to the stability of our rates is the very nature of the local cooperative itself. As a not-for-profit organization, local electric cooperatives operate solely to provide electricity, not to increase profit for shareholders. This is why we return excess funds in the form of Capital Credits to our members. These capital credit payments historically have involved refunds to every class of customer, both industrial and residential. These stable, affordable rates catalyze business growth which, in turn, has far-reaching effects on the quality of life enjoyed by all our members.