Annual Meeting of Members

We look forward to seeing you next year at Voltage 2025, on June 21, 2025. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for news and updates.

Each year Benton REA hosts a meeting of the members including an appreciation lunch, door prizes and an opportunity for you to meet your co-op employees and trustees. In addition to these activities, members in voting districts have the opportunity to vote for the trustee who will represent them on the board. Because Benton REA is a member-owned cooperative, you have a say in how your cooperative is run.

Thank you for joining us at Voltage 2024!

More than 450 attend member appreciation day

Voltage, the 87th annual meeting of Benton REA members and family fun day was held on July 13 at Leona Libby Middle School in West Richland. The event was attended by 481 people and two dogs.

Free, tethered hot air balloon rides and bingo kicked the day off at 8:30 a.m. Throughout the morning, kids and adults enjoyed visiting booths on subjects such as proper tree planting, energy efficiency, RiverFest and the importance of hydropower to our region.

Local law enforcement officers from the West Richland Police Department visited with special guest Polar, a 3-yearold English Cream Golden Retriever. Attendees enjoyed meeting and petting, Polar, an emotional support dog who was sworn in to the department in 2023.

Kids were transformed into their favorite animals with face painting. They cooled with snowcones before heading to the tie-dye station to create colorful shirts.

Benton REA lineworkers had the safety trailer on display to simulate the dangers of electricity and how to stay clear of electrical hazards at home and at work.

Local eatery Henry’s Catering provided a light breakfast and lunch of hot dogs and hamburgers, which was served before the business meeting began at noon.

During the business meeting, Benton REA’s the two trade and technical scholarship recipients and the five academic 2024 scholarship recipients and the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour delegates were recognized.

Ryan Redmond, Benton REA CEO, facilitated a question-and-answer session that addressed member questions and prompted discussion about future projects at Benton REA.

The meeting wrapped up with a drawing for the final door prizes of $500 bill credits. They were awarded to five lucky members who were in attendance. The business meeting adjourned at 1:56 p.m.