Current News

David Hanson, executive director, and Ken Trainor, director of operations for Sunrise Outreach Center food banks accept a check for $3,000 from Benton REA Board President Connie Krull (center).

Benton REA Donates $15K to Local Food Banks

Fifteen thousand dollars is helping feed local families thanks to Benton REA and matching funds from CoBank, one of the utility’s lenders. Benton REA received a $7,500 matching grant from the CoBank Sharing Success program. Together, the $15,000 donation will help families through three organizations within the Benton REA member service area. Nine thousand dollars…

A woman adjusts a thermostat that currently reads 78 degrees Fahrenheit

Potential Capacity Shortage: Members are asked to conserve energy during heat wave

Benton REA is asking members to conserve their use of electricity during these extreme high temperatures. The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), which supplies power for Benton REA and other local utilities, has informed Benton REA that the extreme heat is putting record demand on its system. BPA says if demand for electricity continues to increase,…

A man and woman lean on the kitchen countertop looking at an i pad the man is holding

Get Paid Your Way: New Options for Ownership Credits

Benton REA has made it easier and more convenient than ever to get paid your ownership credits. Members can now receive their Benton REA capital (ownership) credit payments as an electric bill credit. By purchasing electricity from Benton REA, you are a member-owner. Your ownership is reflected in credits allocated to you based on the…

a mother and her child, about 10 months old, pose for a photo on a path with tall grass on either side of them

Benton REA Members Pay Neighbors’ Electricity Bills

Benton REA members who need assistance paying past-due electric bills may qualify for help from fellow co-op members through the Power to Care program. To receive Power to Care funds, you must: Be a residential member of Benton REA, Have a past due balance on your electric account, or have received a electric disconnection notice,…

The image has three photos, on the left is dry, cracked earth, the middle is irrigated green crops, on the right is an image of the ocean. The text says "Carbon free hydropower is critical in our fight against climate change."

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…

Graph of levelized billing payments

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,…

a close up of a woman wearing a blue plaid shirt and denim skirt pluggin in her Chevy Bolt to a charger at home

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…

A blue humidifier vents steam out the top. It is resting on a white table with a tropical house plant behind it. Photo by Abby Berry, NRECA

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…

A PowerNET wireless internet technician installs broadcasting equipment on a tower overlooking Prosser, Washington. He is in the bucket of a utility truck.

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…

Hot air balloons fly over Prosser in the 2017 Great Prosser Balloon Rally

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…