Energy Savings
DIY: Energy-Efficiency Class
Learn easy ways to save energy and money on January 16 If you want to lower your monthly energy use and don’t know where to start, Benton REA’s energy-efficiency class is for you. Sign up for our next class on Thursday, January 16, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Benton REA West Richland Community…
Low October Temperatures Cause High Bills
October was unusually cold, causing electric heating systems to use more energy According to the National Weather Service, October 2019 was the coldest on record for several cities in Yakima and Benton counties. The average temperature was 44.8 degrees in Yakima and 48 degrees in Richland. Seven days dipped down to or below 32 degrees…
Sign up for Youth Program and Energy-Efficiency Webinars
Benton REA will host three free webinars in November about its youth programs and residential energy-efficiency programs. “We want to let our members know about these great member benefits, but we know not everyone has time to attend a class”, says Troy Berglund, manager of community development and member relations. “By attending a webinar, you…
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.…
Tips for Maintaining an Efficient HVAC System
Tips for Maintaining an Efficient HVAC System Ah, summer. Cookouts, swimming pools, camping—it’s the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. When it’s time to come back indoors, there’s nothing better than that cool blast you feel from your home’s air conditioning unit. Your heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system is…
Prepare for Summer and Winter With a Ductless Heat Pump
During an average year, more than 60 percent of a home’s energy use is caused by heating and cooling. During shoulder months like April, May, September and October, your energy use is often lower because heating and cooling systems only occasionally run to maintain a comfortable temperature. Before the summer heat arrives, switch to a…
Landscape for Savings and Safety
A well-designed landscape not only adds beauty to your home, but can reduce your heating and cooling costs. Trees and other plants on the east, south and west sides of your home help shade it, helping reduce cooling costs in the summer and cold winds in the winter. Deciduous trees lose their leaves during the…
$3,500 EV Offer Extended Through July 1
As part of its effort to accelerate electric vehicle transportation alternatives across the United States, Nissan North America Inc., is offering eligible Touchstone Energy Cooperative member organizations such as Benton REA a special incentive toward the purchase of the all-new, 100 percent electric Nissan Leaf. A $3,500 special rebate is available on the 40-kWh model…
The Modern Family’s Devices
If you are struck by the amount of screens, gaming controls, charging stations and cords that have become fixtures in your home, you’re not alone. The typical American family is well connected and owns a variety of electronic devices. Consumer electronics coupled with the growing array of smart home appliances and technology have slowly, but…
Energy Efficiency Tips for Renters
If you rent your home, it often seems that you can’t do much to control your electric bills. In reality, there are lots of low- or no-cost tricks you can put into place to cut down on electricity use. Electronics and Appliances Most electronics feature a glowing light when turned off, which means they’re still…