The Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association will issue $2.5 million in credits to its customers, the electric distribution cooperative said Wednesday.

Customers who received service between 1999 and 2011 and who have accumulated credits of $25 or more will receive a check in the mail later this month, the cooperative said.

The nonprofit cooperative, owned by its customers, holds onto the funds until its board of directors determines that the association's financial condition will allow their return.

The cooperative has issued nearly $20 million in credits to its customers in the last 10 years.

"Perhaps it's unusual for a utility to send checks to its customers," said Jack Schneider, board president of the cooperative, in a statement. "But that's one of the things that makes an electric cooperative different from investor-owned utilities."

"We are not in the business of making a profit for shareholders," he said. "The welfare of our members is our primary concern."