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Illustration of a smart thermostat, a washing machine and a heat pump

New and Improved Rebates Starting October 1

September 28, 2019

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.…

Benton REA’s Troy Berglund, community development and member relations manager, in Olympia with City of West Richland Public Works Director Roscoe Slade, Senator Sharon Brown and West Richland Mayor Brent Gerry

Serving You in Olympia and D.C.

February 21, 2019

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 employees accept a rebate from Benton REA. Left to Right: Dustin Miller, wastewater treatment plant operator; Tony Simon, energy smart industrial partner with Cascade Engineering; Roscoe Slade, public works director; Mayor Brent Gerry; Troy Berglund, community development and member relations manager with Benton REA; Randy Paulson, sewer operations supervisor and Michael Maier, wastewater treatment plant operator.

City of West Richland Saves $41K with Energy Efficiency

November 21, 2018

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…

Senator Sharon Brown with Platt, Bradshaw, Berglund, and Feepons

Co-ops at the Table in Olympia

April 2, 2018

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.…

Port of Sunnyside Commissioners Jim Grubenhoff, Jeff Matson and Arnold Martin accept a check of $100,000 from Benton REA's Community Development and Member Relations Manager Troy Berglund, second from left.

Sunnyside Port Receives $100K Energy Efficiency Incentive

January 19, 2018

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…