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2024 Scholarships and Youth Tour Applications Due January 8
Children of Benton REA members whose main residence is in Benton, Yakima or Lewis counties may apply for the co-op’s 2024 continuing education scholarships and the Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. Funds for Benton REA’s scholarships, youth tour and other education programs come from members’ unclaimed ownership credits. Applications are due January 8, 2024, and…
A Month of Appreciation
Lineworker Appreciation If you have noticed Benton REA’s line crews working on power lines and other electrical equipment, it’s no secret a lineworker’s job is tough—but it’s a job that’s essential. This month we celebrate lineworkers. The next time you see a lineworker, please thank them for the work they do to keep power flowing,…
Ostrom Mushroom Farms Receives $102K Energy-Efficiency Rebate
Ostrom Mushroom Farms accepted a $102,585 energy-efficiency rebate from Benton REA, its electric cooperative utility, on November 18, for construction and installation of energy-saving equipment at their Sunnyside facility. In 2019, Ostrom’s installed several energy-efficient measures including LED lighting, water-cooled chiller equipment and variable frequency drives on air handlers, cooling tower fans, boiler fans and…
PowerNET Launches Broadband Internet – November 2021 Manager’s Message
Dear Members, Broadband is internet access operating at 25 megabits per second or faster. That means you can stream movies, play online video games and scroll your social media all at the same time. But beyond entertainment, accessible and affordable broadband can truly transform a rural community by allowing employees to work from home and…
Upcoming Community Blood Drives
Benton REA will co-host two American Red Cross blood drives this month. The first blood drive will be Wednesday, January 13, at the Prosser Holiday Inn Express & Suites. The second will be Thursday, January 21, in West Richland at the Mayfield Gathering Place and Gardens. Both drives will be from 11 a.m. to 4…
When Will Benton REA Offices Reopen?
Answers to your questions about Benton REA and the pandemic Effects of the coronavirus pandemic have members wondering when business will be back to normal. Benton REA continues to monitor the local situation with members’ and employees’ safety top-of-mind. The cooperative appreciates members’ patience through these trying months. “During these uncertain times one thing is…
83rd Annual Membership Meeting Recap
Benton REA’s 83rd Annual Membership Meeting was scheduled for July. Unfortunately, like most events in 2020, the member appreciation meal, family activities, games and hot air balloon rides had to be canceled. However, Benton REA’s bylaws require an annual business meeting of members, so Benton REA staff improvised and took the meeting online October 21.…
Scholarship Applications Due January 4
Graduating high school seniors whose parents are members of Benton REA and whose main residence is within Benton, Yakima or Lewis counties are eligible to apply for Benton REA’s 2020-2021 scholarships. Applications are due January 4, 2021. Students pursuing either a trade, technical or academic education may qualify. Scholarships will first cover tuition. If money…
Transmission: From Dam to Doorstep
Once the force of a flowing river is turned into electricity at hydroelectric dams, it still has a long way to go before reaching your house, business or school. This energy now must flow along transmission lines, sometimes hundreds of miles from its source. When electricity first leaves a dam, it is high voltage, meaning…