Becky calls her electric cooperative, LaGrange County REMC, to ask a simple question: How much do I owe on my account? Unfortunately, her name isn’t on the account. Her husband, John, is the account holder, and because of this, our customer service representatives are unable to provide her any information.

In following our privacy policy to protect our members and their information, we do not give out account information to anyone not listed on the account.

However, there is an easy solution. Create a joint membership.

Married members are able to contact the REMC and ask for a joint membership agreement. This agreement allows them to put both names on the account, so spouses can receive or change details about their shared account. 

It’s a simple one-page document that, with a few signatures, can save you a lot of time in the future.

If the worst happens and one of you would pass away, with a joint account  no additional paperwork would need to be submitted to put the account in the surviving member’s name. It would be a seamless transition.

If you do not have a joint account and either of you were to pass away, the other would have to establish a new account, including an application and credit check, as well as move your capital credits into the sole member’s name. Instead of dealing with such an issue during such an emotionally taxing time, it’s another item that can be done now to save you from doing more later.

To begin the process, call the LaGrange County REMC office at 877-463-7165 and ask for an application, which can be sent to you by email, fax or standard mail. Once it’s returned, both names will be put on the account, and you can breathe a sigh of relief as you mark it off your to-do list.