Recent Co-op News
![Screenshot 2024-08-19 at 1.49.40 PM Screenshot 2024-08-19 at 1.49.40 PM](https://bentonrea.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Screenshot-2024-08-19-at-1.49.40 PM-1024x510.jpg)
The Vital Role of the Lower Snake River Dams
August 19, 2024
A crucial asset for the Northwest and our members By Josh Lozano, Benton REA Director of Energy Policy and Contract Management 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...
![Tired,Millennial,Woman,Suffers,From,Stuffiness,And,An,Inoperative,Air Tired,Millennial,Woman,Suffers,From,Stuffiness,And,An,Inoperative,Air](https://bentonrea.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_1955951185-1024x683.jpg)
5 Tips to Beat the Summer Heat
June 25, 2024
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! Ceiling Fans Did...
![Untitled design (4) Untitled design (4)](https://bentonrea.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Untitled-design-4-1024x535.jpg)
What You Need to Know About Furnace Filters
May 29, 2024
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...
![Electrical Safety Month Electrical Safety Month](https://bentonrea.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Electrical-Safety-Month-1024x512.jpg)
May is Electrical Safety Month
May 1, 2024
Prioritize Safety Year-Round Benton REA recognizes Electrical Safety Month every May, but it is important to practice safety year-round. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, thousands of people in the U.S. are critically injured or electrocuted as a result of electrical fires and accidents in their own homes. Many...
![Untitled design (1) Untitled design (1)](https://bentonrea.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Untitled-design-1-1024x512.jpg)
Programs to Help You Pay Your Electric Bill
April 29, 2024
Benton REA has programs available to help you pay your electric bill. We understand life can be tough and it’s easy to fall behind. We want to make sure you can get back on your feet, by offering financial assistance and guiding you to the right services. Please contact a...
![Electrical Safety Month (1) Electrical Safety Month (1)](https://bentonrea.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Electrical-Safety-Month-1-1024x512.jpg)
5 Ways to Help You Save on Your Summer Energy Bill
April 16, 2024
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...
![pexels-alfo-medeiros-11534117 pexels-alfo-medeiros-11534117](https://bentonrea.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/pexels-alfo-medeiros-11534117-1-1024x681.jpg)
Planting Trees and Bushes for Energy Efficiency
April 8, 2024
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,...
![The,Spillway,Of,The,Lower,Granite,Lake,Dam,On,The Snake River Dam](https://bentonrea.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Snake-River-Dam-1024x683.jpg)
Federal Hydro System Powers Region Through Arctic Blast
March 22, 2024
Federal dams were operating at levels not seen since the age of aluminum smelters in the Northwest and were key to keeping the lights on. Plunging temperatures across the Pacific Northwest that stayed below freezing for four days from January 12-16 were no match for the Federal Columbia River Power...
![Benton REA Trustee Districts Map Map showing six district boundaries in blocks.](https://bentonrea.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Benton-REA-Trustee-Districts-Map-1024x759.jpg)
Seeking Candidates for Board Districts 7 and 8
March 19, 2024
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...
![African,American,Mother,Kissing,Her,Daughter,On,Forehead,While,Lying African,American,Mother,Kissing,Her,Daughter,On,Forehead,While,Lying](https://bentonrea.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/shutterstock_1825812656-2-1024x683.jpg)
You Have the Power to Care
February 14, 2024
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...
![Andrew Gould Andrew Gould](https://bentonrea.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Andrew-Gould.jpg)
Benton REA Hires Andrew Gould as VP of Engineering & Operations
February 8, 2024
Benton REA is pleased to announce the hiring of Andrew W. Gould, P.E. as Benton REA’s Vice President of Engineering and Operations. As a third-generation engineer, Gould brings 12 years of experience in the utility industry. He has dedicated his career to the safe and reliable transmission and distribution of...
![Woman,With,Cat,At,Home,,Focus,On,Electric,Halogen,Heater A woman and cat sit on a couch with a blanket. A space heater is on in front of them.](https://bentonrea.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/SpaceHeater_shutterstock_1897041061-1024x683.jpg)
Are Portable Space Heaters Efficient?
January 23, 2024
Small space heaters are meant to do exactly as their name says: heat a small space. Unfortunately, many people use portable space heaters to heat their entire home, which takes a toll on their energy bills. Whether you should use space heaters depends on your home’s efficiency and energy needs....