Featured News and Services
Seasonal
5 Tips to Beat the Summer Heat
Summer temperatures are here, and to put it simply, it’s HOT! Although we’re used to the hot summer temperatures on our area, it’s always good to be reminded of some things that can make you more comfortable and save some energy at the same time. Happy Summer!
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Renewable Energy
The Vital Role of the Lower Snake River Dams
The four lower Snake River dams (LSRD)—Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose, and Lower Granite—are indispensable to the Northwest. Their benefits extend to our cooperative membership and beyond, impacting energy production, economic stability, and environmental stewardship. Here’s an in-depth look at why these dams are crucial and the recent developments that jeopardize their future.
Recent Co-op News
Electric Co-ops Grow for the Communities They Serve
October is National Co-op Month, and Benton REA is joining cooperatives across the U.S. to celebrate. Co-ops come in all shapes and sizes, but they each have a common goal: to provide goods or services for the members of the co-op. Electric co-ops, including Benton REA, exist to serve their...
What You Need to Know About Furnace Filters
With so many options available, picking the right filter for your home is not easy. These tips can make the process simpler! Changing furnace filters is one of the many household chores that is often forgottenor skipped, but not changing your furnace filter could have expensive consequences. A dirty filter...
5 Ways to Help You Save on Your Summer Energy Bill
Here are 5 ways that can help you save energy, money, and increase the comfort of your home. Installing a smart thermostat is one of the simplest ways to manage home energy use and keep summer bills in check. Smart thermostats are easy to install and allow you to control...
Planting Trees and Bushes for Energy Efficiency
Careful planning can lead to a beautiful, safe, energy saving landscape. Spring and summer are opportune times for yard work and DIY projects. Making improvements to your landscaping can provide valuable shade and promote better efficiency, lowering your summer energy bills. Large deciduous (leaf-shedding) trees planted on the east, west,...
Seeking Candidates for Board Districts 7 and 8
Benton REA is governed by eight trustees who each represent a district of members. Trustees are elected by members to serve three-year terms. Candidates In 2024, the incumbent Benton REA trustees whose terms expire are Ted Wallace, district 7 and Catherine Russell, district 8. Members who meet the candidate qualifications...
You Have the Power to Care
In September 2020, Benton REA launched the Power to Care bill assistance program. Now, the program has helped income-qualified members pay nearly $85,000 in past-due bills. Donating to the Fund Each month, 744 Benton REA members choose to round up their electric bill to the nearest dollar or more. Since...
Claim Your Ownership Cash
Benton REA members, you may have money on the table. Each year the Benton REA Board of Trustees chooses to pay back ownership credits to members, and thousands of those checks go uncashed. After one year, uncashed checks become unclaimed and the funds are transferred to Benton REA’s Education Fund....
Be A Fam With A Plan
It’s not pleasant to think about worst-case scenarios, but a little planning can make a big difference if the worst happens. Follow these tips to avoid feeling helpless during a disaster. Before Communicate: Talk with your family about who to call, where to go and what to do if disaster...
Dams: One Structure, Many Benefits
At first glance, dams look like they hold back and store water, but they actually do so much more. Dams protect communities from floods, provide water to irrigate farmland, enable safe passage for boats and barges, create places to play on the river and provide the Northwest with renewable, carbon-free...