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Get familiar with Cyber Basics
At a time when we are more connected than ever, being “cyber smart” is of the utmost importance. This year has already seen more than a fair share of cyber attacks and breaches, including the high-profile attacks on the Colonial Pipeline and other critical infrastructure. Furthermore, cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated with more evolved…
Disconnections Resume December 1
After 20 months of waived late fees and no disconnection of service for nonpayment, Benton REA will resume electric and internet disconnections on December 1. Anyone with a past-due balance is encouraged to contact Benton REA before November 30 to set up a payment arrangement. Only during November, those who make arrangements have up to…
Energy Savings for Your Business
Locally owned businesses are the backbone of our community. With fall here, now is the perfect time to make sure your building is equipped for maximum energy savings. LED lighting for your business allows you to maintain your preferred brightness levels while keeping energy costs low. Don’t forget about your outdoor lighting options and timers…
Drive-In Annual Meeting Fills Red Mountain Event Center
On the rainy morning of September 18, Benton REA hosted a drive-in annual meeting for the first time in the co-op’s 84 years. “As a cooperative, we’re required to hold an annual meeting of the Benton REA members,” says General Manager Mike Bradshaw. “While planning the meeting, the number of COVID-19 patients being admitted to…
New Payment Kiosks at Harvest Foods and Yoke’s Fresh Market
Pay with cash, card or check during store hours Benton REA’s two new payment kiosks are at Lep-Re-Kon Harvest Foods in Prosser and Yoke’s Fresh Market in West Richland. Benton REA and PowerNET bills can be paid at the kiosks using cash, check or card anytime the stores are open. Payments are posted to members’…
Why Replace Utility Poles?
You probably don’t pay much attention to the utility poles, but did you know these tall structures are the backbone of Benton REA’s distribution network? Strong, sturdy utility poles ensure a reliable electric system, which is why we routinely inspect the thousands of poles found on our lines. “Pole replacement helps us maintain our system…
Members Give Benton REA An 89 Satisfaction Rating
For the fifth year in a row, Benton REA members gave their electric cooperative an 89 out of 100 rating in the American Customer Satisfaction Index questions included in the annual satisfaction survey. Each year, Benton REA seeks to understand members’ satisfaction with the cooperative to improve customer service, reliability, and the quality of our…
Members Support and Benefit from Power to Care Bill Assistance Program
In September 2020, Benton REA launched the Power to Care bill assistance program. One year later, the program is still helping members get through the pandemic together. Donating to the fund Each month, 449 members of the co-op choose to round up their electric bill to the nearest dollar, or to donate $1, $5 or…
Benton REA Pays Back $1.75 Million to Members
Benton REA will pay back more than $1.75 million in ownership credits this summer. This amount is shared among more than 17,400 active and inactive members. People and businesses that receive electricity from Benton REA are members and owners of the cooperative. All utilities have margins, but only electric cooperatives like Benton REA allocate and…
Heat Wave Blackouts Avoided, Transmission Improvements Needed
Dear Members, To say June 29 was a hot day is an understatement. With temperatures hitting 115 degrees, all our air conditioners put a strain on the Bonneville Power Administration’s capacity to deliver electricity into the Tri-Cities. Benton REA does not own transmission lines, which are the high-voltage power lines that bring electricity from the…