Members Support and Benefit from Power to Care Bill Assistance Program

In September 2020, Benton REA launched the Power to Care bill assistance program. One year later, the program is still helping members get through the pandemic together.

Donating to the fund

Each month, 449 members of the co-op choose to round up their electric bill to the nearest dollar, or to donate $1, $5 or more.

Since the program began, members have collectively donated $14,243. This includes $5,345 donated by members from their 2020 ownership credit payments. Adding Benton REA’s matching donation of $2,284 in October 2020, the total money available to qualifying low-income members is $16,528.

Contributing to the program is voluntary. Members can enroll through their Benton REA SmartHub account or by completing the form on page 2 of their billing statement.

Receiving from the fund

As of August 1, 2021, 19 members received help paying their past-due electric bill. The total given back to members was $4,100.

“We hope members who need the assistance will apply for it,” says Troy Berglund, community development and member relations manager.

Residential members with past-due balances on their electric accounts can apply to receive these donated funds.
Bill assistance is granted as a credit on the qualifying members’ electric account once per calendar year. The amount received depends on family size, household income and amount due on the electric account.

“We strongly encourage members to contact us at 509-786-2913 before applying to ensure you are eligible for assistance funding,” Troy says.

To apply, download the Power to Care Bill Assistance Application and return it to a Benton REA office.
For more information on donating or to download the application, visit www.BentonREA.org/PowerToCare.