Posts by Marketing & Communications
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 strikes. Educate: Plan different strategies…
Read MoreDams: 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 electricity. While not all dams…
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Lasers Protect Birds and Prevent Large Electric Outages
Why do you live where you live? Is it close to where you earn your income that feeds your family? Is it a structurally sound building in a safe neighborhood? These are the same reasons birds choose to nest inside electric substations. The steel beams and small hiding spots within electric substations offer sanctuary to…
Read MoreSurge Protection for $6 A Month
A power surge is an unexpected increase in voltage. Regardless of the cause, power surges can damage electronics in your home. Benton REA offers surge protection at your electric meter for only $6 a month. But first, let’s look at common causes of power surges and how you can protect your sensitive electronics. One of…
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A Day on the Lines
Benton REA Line crews work hard day and night to keep the lights on Story and photos by David Herder As the Benton Rural Electric Association lineworkers arrive to their worksite on a late February morning, the poles they plan to raise are covered in snow. For the past week, foreman Chris Hill and his…
Read MoreIrrigating Around Electricity
Know the Risks and How to Safe Safe Spring planting is around the corner. Whether you’re a large producer or backyard gardener, keeping safety in mind as you plant and irrigate can save your life. Know What’s Below Do you know where the overhead and underground utilities are on your property? The safest and simplest…
Read MorePower Outage Safety Before, During, After Storms
Weather-related electric outages happen year-round. Be prepared before a flood, snow, ice or wind storm strikes. Before the Storm Save 800-221-6987 in your contacts so you can quickly report outages. It’s equally important to give Benton REA your current phone number and email address so you can be informed about major outage restoration and planned…
Read MoreBenton REA Buys Land for New Administration Building in West Richland
Electric prices will not increase due to phased construction schedule. After years of research, the Benton REA Board of Trustees approved the purchase of 17.79 acres on Keene Road in West Richland in December 2021. The land will be home to a new Benton REA administration building, with room to add operations facilities, truck bays…
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