Energy Savings
Wastewater Treatment Efficiencies Save City 1.7 Million kWh
On August 9, Benton REA presented the city of West Richland the second of two rebates for energy-efficiency improvements to its wastewater treatment plant. “Since 2016, there have been two major efforts completed where energy savings has persisted and reduced operational expenses for the city of West Richland ratepayers,” says Tony Simon, with the Bonneville…
Spend Money to Save Money
Benton REA’s Energy Savings Loan program helps members improve efficiency without breaking the bank. When it comes to your home’s energy efficiency, sometimes you need to spend money to save money. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average single-family home spends more than 54% of its annual electricity bill on space heating and…
Rebates Increase for Low-Income Homeowners
Rebates for heat pumps and hybrid electric water heaters have significantly increased for homeowners who qualify as low-income. Benton REA is making $100,000 available to members through September 2023. For heat pump upgrades and conversions from another heating system, the rebate is now as much as $6,200. The installation of a single-head ductless heat pump…
Plant Money-Saving Landscaping
Solar heat absorbed through windows and roofs makes your air conditioner work harder and consume more electricity. But incorporating shading into your landscape design can help reduce both solar heat gain and your electricity bill. Shading from trees can reduce surrounding air temperatures as much as 9° F. Because cool air settles near the ground,…
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…
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…
Test Your AC Before It’s Too Hot
Summers can be long and hot, and can seem a lot longer and hotter if your air conditioning system isn’t functioning properly. March and April are great months to test your air conditioning while the weather is mild. If your system isn’t working correctly, or at all, here are some common issues and how to…
Save Energy When Working From Home
Today, more Americans are working from home than ever before. More time spent at home means more energy used throughout the day. If you’re punching the clock from home, there are small steps you can take to reduce your energy use and save on electric bills. Here are five easy ways to save energy when…
The Future Is Electric
In the early 20th century, electric vehicles made up close to 40% of the U.S. vehicle market share. Despite their early popularity, they began to disappear from the streets after just a few years. As roadways improved beyond city limits, people wanted to explore. With their slower speeds and shorter ranges, electric vehicles were not…
Are Portable Space Heaters Efficient?
Small space heaters are meant to do exactly as their name says: heat a small space. Unfortunately, many people use portable space heaters to heat their entire home, which takes a toll on their energy bills. Whether you should use space heaters depends on your home’s efficiency and energy needs. If you’re using a space…