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Serving Members in Benton, Yakima and Lewis Counties with

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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

Photo of Lower Granite Dam on the Snake River

Benton REA

A New Threat to the Snake River Dams

Rep. Simpson of Idaho has proposed drafting legislation that would breach the four dams on the lower Snake River. Benton REA has questions and serious concerns about the feasibility of the plan and questions the benefit of a plan that would ask taxpayers to spend $34 billion to significantly increase carbon emissions at a time when our region is taking drastic steps to reduce carbon emissions. Click to learn more.

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

The image has three photos, on the left is dry, cracked earth, the middle is irrigated green crops, on the right is an image of the ocean. The text says "Carbon free hydropower is critical in our fight against climate change."

Idaho Congressman Seeks Support for Plan to Breach the Snake River Hydropower Dams

February 26, 2021
U.S. Representative Mike Simpson of Idaho wants to get the Columbia and Snake River dams out of seemingly endless court battles. Simpson has a plan to breach the lower Snake River dams while compensating electricity, river transportation and irrigation stakeholders through a infrastructure funding bill that could hit President Joe...
Monthly Manager's Message Header - Powerlines against a sunset

Idaho: Another Threat to the Lower Snake River Dams – March 2021

February 26, 2021
Dear Members, We’re about to enter another battle between hydropower and fish. Sadly, there doesn’t need to be a war. Fish and dams are coexisting. Yet, some disagree. In an attempt to avoid the continuation of court battles over the lower Snake River dams, U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson of Idaho...
Graph of levelized billing payments

On a Budget? So Is Your Utility Bill

February 23, 2021
If your electricity use is higher in the winter and summer months, but your budget doesn't ebb and flow with the temperature, Benton REA's budget billing might be right for you. Budget billing eliminates seasonally fluctuating payments and helps families stay within their monthly budgets. The amount you pay will...
Touchstone_Energy_Roofs_000

10 Steps to Take Before Installing Solar

February 17, 2021
As prices decline and technology improves, installing a residential solar system—also called a photo-voltaic system—makes sense for some. However, it’s important to know the facts before committing to a purchase. Consider these points as you explore whether solar is right for you. 1. MAKE YOUR HOME MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT BEFORE...
a close up of a woman wearing a blue plaid shirt and denim skirt pluggin in her Chevy Bolt to a charger at home

Is Your Home Electric Vehicle Ready?

February 12, 2021
Drivers across the U.S. are starting to refuel at the outlet instead of the gas pump. As electric vehicle growth continues, studies are finding most drivers are plugging in at home to charge. “EV-ready homes” describes homes providing safe access to a dedicated power supply for charging at a Level...
A young man sits on a couch looking at his cell phone - viewing his paperless bill

Stay Informed, Go Paperless with SmartHub

February 8, 2021
With convenient access to your Benton REA bill anytime and anywhere through SmartHub, doing your part to care for the environment is easy through paperless billing. Yet as of December, only 2,836 Benton REA members and PowerNET customers had signed up for paperless billing. Signing up for paperless billing is...
Monthly Manager's Message Header - Powerlines against a sunset

Look Up and Live – February 2021

February 1, 2021
Dear Members, Electrical safety is immensely important to me and to Benton REA, especially as we look forward to the spring planting season. Whether you are working in your back yard or responsible for a large agriculture operation, it is important to be aware of power lines near you—both above...
A blue humidifier vents steam out the top. It is resting on a white table with a tropical house plant behind it. Photo by Abby Berry, NRECA

Five Ways to Stay Cozy this Winter

January 20, 2021
Baby, it’s cold outside! When you’re feeling chilly at home, there are several budget-friendly ways to stay comfortable without turning up the thermostat. Here are five easy ways: Whether you’re experiencing extremely cold winter temperatures or you simply “run cold,” an electric blanket can deliver quick warmth in a way...
Someone handing a cashier their Co-op Connections Card

Co-op Connections App Offers Local Coupons Without Scissors

January 15, 2021
Co-op Connections is a free coupons program brought to you by Benton REA. Benton REA wants to help you stretch every dollar when running errands, planning a trip or taking care of you and your family. Your Co-op Connections Card will help you to save money at local restaurants, service...
A PowerNET wireless internet technician installs broadcasting equipment on a tower overlooking Prosser, Washington. He is in the bucket of a utility truck.

Can We Live Without the Internet Post COVID-19?

January 15, 2021
If we learned anything in 2020, it’s that every home in America needs reliable access to the internet. In 2020, 4 million fewer shoppers made purchases during the Black Friday weekend than in 2019, yet Cyber Monday online shopping rose 15%, according to Adobe Analytics. With state and local orders...