Manager’s Messages
Serve Your Community on the Board of Trustees – March 2022 Manager’s Message
Dear Members, Benton REA Trustees are community-minded individuals with a variety of skills. Our board includes farmers, educators and business professionals. We rely on their many talents to help make informed decisions on long-term priorities and investments. Our trustees live in the co-op’s service area, and we consider them the eyes and ears of the…
Co-op Values Benefit the Community – February 2022 Manager’s Message
Dear Members, Benton REA’s core job is keeping the lights on, but our passion is serving our members. Because we’re a co-op, our purpose is to enrich the lives of our members and serve the long-term interests of our community. This focus on service is at the heart of who we are. Benton REA was…
United to Save Salmon and Hydropower – January 2022 Manager’s Message
Dear Members, Last month we asked you for your feedback on Benton REA’s Clean Energy Implementation Plan and reviewed the survey results. Many of you expressed your concern for the environment and the need for clean, carbon-free resources. Many of you also questioned why the survey did not specifically ask for your thoughts on hydropower.…
A Year of Progress – December 2021 Manager’s Message
Dear Members, As the year wraps up, I am amazed at what your co-op has accomplished in 2021. I’ve said it before, but I think it is worth repeating. Benton REA is experiencing rapid growth in our service area. We don’t have the final 2021 data, but I’m proud to say Benton REA has already…
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…
Drive In to the Annual Meeting – September 2021 Manager’s Message
Dear Members, I look forward to seeing you all at Benton REA’s Drive-In 84th Annual Membership Meeting and member appreciation lunch, held this year on September 18 at 10:30 a.m. Join us for a modified version of our annual meeting without leaving your vehicle. Drive in to the Red Mountain Event Center (formerly the Tri-City…
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…
Choose How Benton REA Pays You – July 2021
Dear Members, Did you know that Benton REA pays its members? It’s the cooperative difference and something we’re incredibly proud of. By purchasing electricity from Benton REA, you are also a member-owner. Your ownership is reflected in what we call ownership credits. These ownership credits are allocated to you based on the amount of electricity…
Stocking the Energy Pantry – June 2021
Dear Members, After spring planting, we make sure our vegetables, grain and fruit have enough water and sunshine throughout the heat of summer so we can harvest and store our bounty to use throughout the year. Similarly with electricity, hydropower gives us the ability to store and meet energy demand year-round. Hydropower acts as our…
Reflect and Honor – May 2021
Dear Members, While enjoying the warmer weather and the start of summer festivities, I hope you will join me in pausing to reflect on the sacrifices of our country’s veterans and their families. I am especially thankful for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy our freedoms. In the words of John…