Economic Development
Prosser Public Charging Station Operational
On May 11, Prosser gained an electric vehicle (EV) fast charger at 20 Merlot Drive, near the Verizon store and Chevron. The EV fast-charging station is the last to be energized as part of a nine-station network along Washington state highway corridors designed to enhance interstate and intrastate EV travel. The others are in Cle…
Darigold Achieves Energy Savings and $45,000 Rebate
Since 2011, Darigold Sunnyside has improved efficiencies so much they’re saving more than 12 million kilowatt hours of energy each year. That’s enough to power 665 average residential homes. Darigold’s most recent energy-efficiency project earned the farmer-owned dairy co-op a $45,000 rebate from Benton REA. The project included installation of new pumps, fans, heat exchangers,…
New and Improved Rebates Starting October 1
New and Improved Rebates Starting October 1 Money Available for residential, commercial and agricultural improvements. Starting October 1, new rebates are available for Benton REA members who buy and install new, energy-efficiency home upgrades. Incentives have increased for the purchase of Energy Star clothes washers and dryers, heat pump water heaters, energy-efficient windows and insulation.…
Serving You in Olympia and D.C.
Benton REA is active in the state legislature and U.S. Congress to ensure laws passed will benefit members and keep electricity affordable The Washington State Legislature is in session, and Benton REA is working to protect the interests of its members. Troy Berglund, community development and member relations manager, recently visited Olympia where he met…
City of West Richland Saves $41K with Energy Efficiency
In two years, the City of West Richland saved $41,092 and reduced their energy use by 637,450 kilowatt hours at its Wastewater Treatment Plant, earning them an additional incentive from the Benton Rural Electric Association. Most of the savings were achieved by installing equipment on existing HVAC units and aeration and blower controls which provides…
Co-ops at the Table in Olympia
Collectively, Benton REA members are represented by four state senators and eight representatives. In February, several Benton REA trustees and staff members visited the state capitol to meet these representatives and discuss the issues that impact Benton REA and its members. Benton REA’s top legislative priority positions include carbon policy, local control and rural broadband.…
Sunnyside Port Receives $100K Energy Efficiency Incentive
The Port of Sunnyside accepted a $100,000 energy efficiency rebate from Benton REA at its Dec. 4, 2017, commissioner’s meeting. The rebate was granted to the Port for the energy savings gained from the installation of their covered anaerobic lagoon (CAL) expansion. “This is the single largest rebate check Benton REA has written in the…