Safety
Prioritize Safety Year-Round
Benton REA recognizes Electrical Safety Month every May, but it is also important to practice safety year-round. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, thousands of people in the U.S. are critically injured or electrocuted as a result of electrical fires and accidents in their own homes. Many of these accidents are preventable. Frayed Wires…
2022 Kids’ Electrical Safety Poster Contest
Posters are due Thursday, June 16, for this year’s Electrical Safety Poster Contest. All elementary-age children whose parents or guardians are Benton REA members with active electric accounts are eligible. Prizes will be distributed at the Benton REA Annual Meeting on Saturday, July 16, in West Richland. The following prizes will be awarded for each…
Surge Protection for $6 A Month
A power surge is an unexpected increase in voltage. Regardless of the cause, power surges can damage electronics in your home. Benton REA offers surge protection at your electric meter for only $6 a month. But first, let’s look at common causes of power surges and how you can protect your sensitive electronics. One of…
A Day on the Lines
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…
Irrigating Around Electricity
Know the Risks and How to Safe Safe Spring planting is around the corner. Whether you’re a large producer or backyard gardener, keeping safety in mind as you plant and irrigate can save your life. Know What’s Below Do you know where the overhead and underground utilities are on your property? The safest and simplest…
Plant Trees for the Next Generation
If you plan to plant trees on your property this year, think of the life of the tree. Planting a tree incorrectly or in the wrong place can shorten its life, especially if it could grow near power lines. Always call 811 before you dig, no matter how shallow or deep you go. Avoid planting…
Power Outage Safety Before, During, After Storms
Weather-related electric outages happen year-round. Be prepared before a flood, snow, ice or wind storm strikes. Before the Storm Save 800-221-6987 in your contacts so you can quickly report outages. It’s equally important to give Benton REA your current phone number and email address so you can be informed about major outage restoration and planned…
Understanding Power Surges and Blinks
Have you noticed your lights blink during a storm? Perhaps you’ve noticed a blinking microwave clock when you arrive home. When this happens, you’ve likely experienced a brief disruption to your electric service, which could result from a power surge or blink. While the symptoms of surges and blinks can appear similar, what’s happening behind…
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…
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…