Credit union seeks new charter. (Capital Power Federal Credit Union)

Capital Power Federal Credit Union is seeking a federal community charter that would allow anyone who lives, works or worships in Sacramento's city limits to become a member.

If it's accepted by federal regulators, the conversion would give Capital Power access to about 400,000 potential members. It now has about 6,750 members and assets of $36.7 million.

Capital Power sent its application to the National Credit Union Administration, the federal regulator and insurer of credit unions, this week. If it's approved, the conversion could happen by the end of the year.

Capital Power started in 1955 as a credit union for Sacramento Municipal Utility District employees. It has added about 150 select employee groups since then. But its ability to go after more has been on hold since the beginning of the year, when the U.S. …