Current News
2021 Scholarship Recipients
Benton REA is proud to announce the 2021 recipients of the cooperative’s continuing education scholarships: Peter Hale of Benton City, son of Joseph and Laurie Hale. Aspen Peters of Prosser, daughter of Troy and Shauna Peters. Scott Barfuss of West Richland, son of Brad and Katie Barfuss. Jazzell Tovar of Prosser, daughter of Angel and…
2019 Benton REA Fuel Mix Report
How Benton REA members’ electricity is generated, as reported in the Washington State Department of Commerce 2019 Electric Utility Fuel Mix Disclosure Report 72.99% Hydropower 16.96% Unspecified 10.05% Nuclear About the Washington State Electric Utilities Fuel Mix The objective of the fuel mix disclosure is to inform customers and policymakers about the characteristics of the…
Idaho Congressman Seeks Support for Plan to Breach the Snake River Hydropower Dams
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 Biden’s desk this year. This…
On a Budget? So Is Your Utility Bill
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 not be equal every month,…
Is Your Home Electric Vehicle Ready?
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 2 station. Level 2 charging…
Five Ways to Stay Cozy this Winter
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 a regular throw or blanket…
Can We Live Without the Internet Post COVID-19?
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 to stay home, schools turning…
Wanted: Donation Requests
Benton REA is seeking community donation requests. Those meeting the following guidelines will be granted on a first-come-first-served basis. Only one donation request greater than $200 per organization, activity or group will be considered per calendar year. A maximum of three total donations per organization each year will be awarded. Requests exceeding $500 may be…
NEW: Schedule Payments in SmartHub
Members who use Benton REA’s SmartHub to pay their electric and internet bills can now schedule payments for a later date. This added feature gives members more flexibility and convenience. To schedule a payment, follow these steps. Schedule A Payment on the SmartHub Website Create a SmartHub account, or login by visiting BentonREA.org and clicking…
Upcoming Community Blood Drives
Benton REA will co-host two American Red Cross blood drives this month. The first blood drive will be Wednesday, January 13, at the Prosser Holiday Inn Express & Suites. The second will be Thursday, January 21, in West Richland at the Mayfield Gathering Place and Gardens. Both drives will be from 11 a.m. to 4…