Your Member-Owned Cooperative

Serving Members in Benton, Yakima and Lewis Counties with

Electricity, Internet and IT services

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Outage Center

If your home or neighborhood is experiencing an electrical power outage, please report it by calling 800-221-6987 or click the "Report an Outage" button below. To view all current outages that are affecting more than 10 members, click the "View Outage Map" button. 

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Featured News and Services

A woman holds a coffee mug while sitting on a couch and looking at her laptop

Benton REA

Watch the 83rd Annual Meeting Video

Our first ever online annual meeting was October 21 at 6:30 p.m. We heard from Benton REA's Board President Mike Freepons, Vice President Connie Krull, Secretary/Treasurer Catherine Russell and General Manager Mike Bradshaw. Click here to watch the recording.

 

A pile of U.S. coins and a crumpled one dollar bill

Benton REA

Bill Assistance Now Available

Two local community action agencies are now accepting applications for Benton REA’s new bill assistance program. Qualifying residential members who need assistance paying their electric bill may apply. Click to learn more.

Our Lobby is Closed to Support Community Health

Benton REA & PowerNET

Offices Closed Until Further Notice

In response to COVID-19, Benton REA and PowerNET's Prosser and West Richland offices and community rooms are closed to the public until further notice. The safety of our employees, members and community remains our highest priority. Benton REA and PowerNET personnel will continue to be accessible by calling 800-221-6987, Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Power outages can be reported by calling 800-221-6987 or through SmartHub.

An electric car charger plugged into a Chevy Bolt

Benton REA

EV & Plug-In Hybrid Purchase Incentive

Benton REA offers up to $100 to members who purchase an electric vehicle and $25 for plug-in hybrid vehicles. Click here for details and the application. 

Also, receive $300 when you install a Level 2 smart, in-home charging station. Click to learn more about our electric vehicle programs. 

Recent Co-op News

Ruralite 2021 Photo Calendar cover

2021 Photo Calendar Available Upon Request

November 23, 2020
The editors at Ruralite magazine once again produced a stunning 2021 wall calendar featuring photos by public power consumers, like you. The calendar features 13 wildlife and landscape photographs chosen from Ruralite’s 2020 photo contest. While Benton REA offices remain closed to the public, employees will mail you a free...
Image of three elected trustees. Text says, "Your votes are in. Congratulations to your reelected trustees serving co-op members 2020-2023. Ron Johnson district 4 trustee West Richland and surrounding rural areas. Tim Grow district 5 trustee Sunnyside area. Scott Fisher District 6 Trustee Mabton and Rimrock areas.

83rd Annual Membership Meeting Recap

November 19, 2020
Benton REA’s 83rd Annual Membership Meeting was scheduled for July. Unfortunately, like most events in 2020, the member appreciation meal, family activities, games and hot air balloon rides had to be canceled. However, Benton REA’s bylaws require an annual business meeting of members, so Benton REA staff improvised and took...
A woman stands in her sliding glass doorway with her cell phone to her ear. Scam artists use phone numbers you recognize. Do not trust your caller ID. Never give away your financial information over the phone.

Watch Out For Financial Scams

November 18, 2020
Unfortunately, in today’s world, financial scams are inevitable. Scammers can threaten you with everything from legal action involving the Internal Revenue Service to turning off power to your home. Utility scams often involve an individual or group posing as an employee of your electric cooperative. The scammer may use threatening...
a woman places a plastic lid in the top rack of her dishwasher

Four Ways to Save Energy In the Kitchen

November 9, 2020
Ah, the kitchen. It’s undeniably one of the most-loved rooms in our homes. It’s where we gather with family and friends for our favorite meals and memories. Like most of us, you probably aren’t thinking about saving energy when you’re planning that perfect dish. Here are four ways to save...
A teenage girl reclines on her bed while looking at a laptop and holding a pen in her right hand about to write in a notebook

Scholarship Applications Due January 4

November 4, 2020
Graduating high school seniors whose parents are members of Benton REA and whose main residence is within Benton, Yakima or Lewis counties are eligible to apply for Benton REA’s 2020-2021 scholarships. Applications are due January 4, 2021. Students pursuing either a trade, technical or academic education may qualify. Scholarships will...
Monthly Manager's Message Header - Powerlines against a sunset

Manager’s Message – November 2020, A Bright Future Thanks to Our Veterans and Youth

November 1, 2020
Dear Members, I agree with the adage, “freedom is not free.” Generations of American men and women risked, and gave their lives over the years serving in the U.S. military so that friends, family and complete strangers could remain free and safe. These amazing patriots gave up their time and...
a mother and her child, about 10 months old, pose for a photo on a path with tall grass on either side of them

Applications for Bill Assistance Now Open

October 31, 2020
Two local community action agencies are now accepting applications for Benton REA’s new bill assistance program. Qualifying residential members who need assistance paying their electric bill may apply. More than $4,500 Raised As of October 21, Benton REA members donated $2,270.25 to the bill assistance fund through one-time and monthly...
a man wears an employee apron and a mask as he stands with arms folded in a grocery or hardware store

Don’t Worry: Enroll in AutoPay

October 21, 2020
There is plenty to worry about in 2020. Why let paying your electric or internet bill be on that list? Benton REA’s automatic payment plan allows you to have your Benton REA payments drawn directly from your bank account, your credit card or your debit card. You will never have...
On August 31, 2020, an Ellensburg Solar technician installed solar panels on the roof of a YCH building in Sunnyside. PHOTO COURTESY OF YCH

YCH Installs Largest Solar Array in State

October 20, 2020
In August, Yakima Chief Hops, a 100% farmer-owned hop supplier for the brewing industry and a Benton REA member, announced its latest solar panel installation. YCH now has 3,706 solar panels, the largest rooftop solar array in Washington state. YCH has offices located across the globe, but the company’s headquarters...
An illustration of a tree windbreak with evergreens in different shades of green

Plant Windbreak Trees and Save Energy

October 8, 2020
It’s been said the Tri-Cities is a windy area. You’ll get no argument from most area residents. Wind erodes our soil and leads to nasty dust storms. Winter winds can increase a home’s heating costs 10% to 40%. Wind can also be just plain annoying. You can’t stop the wind,...