Current News
BentonREA.org/EV Makes Finding an EV Charger Easy
Did you know there are more than 30 public electric vehicle charging stations between Pasco and Yakima? You can find any public charging station in the country at www.BentonREA.org/EV. Click the “Charger Finder” tab and search by zip code, type of charger and type of connector. If you’re planning a longer trip, the “Map a…
Prioritize Safety Year-Round
Benton REA recognizes Electrical Safety Month every May, but it is also 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 of these accidents are preventable. Frayed Wires…
2022 Kids’ Electrical Safety Poster Contest
Posters are due Thursday, June 16, for this year’s Electrical Safety Poster Contest. All elementary-age children whose parents or guardians are Benton REA members with active electric accounts are eligible. Prizes will be distributed at the Benton REA Annual Meeting on Saturday, July 16, in West Richland. The following prizes will be awarded for each…
You Need Hyrdopower and Hydropower Needs You – Write In Today
Hydropower and many other benefits of the lower Snake River Dams are under attack. This year the voices of proponents of dam breaching are being heard by state and federal politicians. Our representatives need to hear your voice, too. Deadline Approaching to Speak Up for Hydropower A public process to determine whether there are reasonable…
Benton REA Plants Trees at Wine Country RV Park
Visitors to Prosser’s Wine Country RV Park will enjoy two new trees donated by Benton REA on April 13, Washington State Arbor Day. Benton REA planted a Linden tree and a Hot Wings Maple tree because they will only grow 25 to 30 feet tall at maturity. They were planted far enough away from utility…
Arbor Day Foundation Recognizes Benton REA as Tree Line USA Utility
Benton REA was named a 2022 Tree Line USA utility by the Arbor Day Foundation in recognition of its dedication to proper urban forest management. Tree Line USA—a partnership between the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters—recognizes utilities for pursuing best practices that protect and cultivate America’s urban tree canopy. Tree…
A Month of Appreciation
Lineworker Appreciation If you have noticed Benton REA’s line crews working on power lines and other electrical equipment, it’s no secret a lineworker’s job is tough—but it’s a job that’s essential. This month we celebrate lineworkers. The next time you see a lineworker, please thank them for the work they do to keep power flowing,…
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…
Seeking Candidates for Board Districts 1, 2, 3
In 2022, the incumbent Benton REA trustees whose terms expire are Buddy Treadway, District 1; Mike Freepons, District 2; and Bob Evans, District 3. Qualified members can be placed on the ballot as candidates for Benton REA trustee. Members interested in running for the board of trustees must call Executive Assistant Missy Jasso, at 509-786-8260…