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A photo split down the middle, the left shows the back left side of an electric lineworker wearing a hard hat with a powerline in the background. The right side shows the right half of a lineworker wearing a ball cap and holding a baby girl with his home in the background. It says, "Lineworker Appreciation - We thank lineworkers for their courage and commitment to powering our community."

A Month of Appreciation

April 1, 2022

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,…

Benton REA Lineworkers prepare to set a new power pole. Photo by David Herder.

A Day on the Lines

March 25, 2022

Benton REA Line crews work hard day and night to keep the lights on Story and photos by David Herder As the Benton Rural Electric Association lineworkers arrive to their worksite on a late February morning, the poles they plan to raise are covered in snow. For the past week, foreman Chris Hill and his…

On the cover of the 2022 Ruralite calendar, highlighted by evening light, a farmer’s crops grow near an old grain elevator. PHOTO BY HAROLD CARLSON

Member’s Photo Featured on Cover of 2022 Ruralite Calendar

November 27, 2021

The cover photo on the 2022 Ruralite calendar was submitted by Benton REA member and amature photographer Harold Carlson of West Richland. “I drove down this gravel road and saw this structure,” Harold says. “The evening light was hitting it so well and luckily the farmer’s crops were starting to show up. I got lucky…

2021 Annual Meeting Ad_web

Drive In to the Annual Meeting

August 25, 2021

Benton REA invites all members to drive in for the 84th Annual Membership Meeting on September 18 at 10:30 a.m. Join us for a modified version of your annual meeting without leaving your vehicle. Drive to the Red Mountain Event Center (8280 W. Van Giesen St.) in West Richland. You’ll get a boxed lunch and…

Benton REA Board District Map - Trustee election

Mail-in Ballots Due September 9 for Trustee Districts 7, 8

August 3, 2021

Benton REA is governed by eight trustees who each represent a district of members. These trustees are elected by you—Benton REA members—to serve three-year terms. Members who live in districts 7 and 8 will receive a ballot in August for the 2021 trustee election. Each membership receives one vote. Members may submit their vote by…

David Hanson, executive director, and Ken Trainor, director of operations for Sunrise Outreach Center food banks accept a check for $3,000 from Benton REA Board President Connie Krull (center).

Benton REA Donates $15K to Local Food Banks

July 19, 2021

Fifteen thousand dollars is helping feed local families thanks to Benton REA and matching funds from CoBank, one of the utility’s lenders. Benton REA received a $7,500 matching grant from the CoBank Sharing Success program. Together, the $15,000 donation will help families through three organizations within the Benton REA member service area. Nine thousand dollars…

A woman's hand grips a stress ball while giving blood. Text below the image says "Blood Drive Benton REA"

Upcoming Community Blood Drives

December 18, 2020

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…

Image of three elected trustees. Text says, "Your votes are in. Congratulations to your reelected trustees serving co-op members 2020-2023. Ron Johnson district 4 trustee West Richland and surrounding rural areas. Tim Grow district 5 trustee Sunnyside area. Scott Fisher District 6 Trustee Mabton and Rimrock areas.

83rd Annual Membership Meeting Recap

November 19, 2020

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.…

A woman holds a coffee mug while sitting on a couch and looking at her laptop

Annual Meeting Goes Virtual

September 22, 2020

You’re invited to join Benton REA for the virtual 83rd Annual Membership Meeting on Wednesday, October 21, at 6:30 p.m. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Benton REA is unable to host a member appreciation event and in-person annual meeting in 2020. Adapting with the current events, the board of trustees passed a resolution declaring an…

Inspired by a member of your co-op community? Your nominee could win up to $5,000. #WhoPowersYou

Nominate a Local Hero in National Cooperative Contest

September 7, 2020

Benton REA and Touchstone Energy Cooperatives are pleased to announce the #WhoPowersYou contest celebrating local heroes. It’s a chance for Benton REA members and employees to nominate someone making a difference in the community, and an opportunity to celebrate the power of human connections. In addition to being nationally recognized, nominees can win up to…