Safety
Lasers Protect Birds and Prevent Large Electric Outages
Why do you live where you live? Is it close to where you earn your income that feeds your family? Is it a structurally sound building in a safe neighborhood? These are the same reasons birds choose to nest inside electric substations. The steel beams and small hiding spots within electric substations offer sanctuary to…
Be A Fam With A Plan
It’s not pleasant to think about worst-case scenarios, but a little planning can make a big difference if the worst happens. Follow these tips to avoid feeling helpless during a disaster. Before Communicate: Talk with your family about who to call, where to go and what to do if disaster strikes. Educate: Plan different strategies…
Wildfire Season Safety
Dear Members, So far this year, local fire districts have already had to deal with a significant number of structure fires and wildfires. Benton REA is grateful for the men and women who protect our homes, businesses and Benton REA’s electric infrastructure. It is the policy of Benton REA to take reasonable actions to reduce…
Digging Into Summer
August 11 is National 811 Day–Call 811 before you dig If you are finally getting around to your summer backyard projects, it’s not too late to call 811. August 11 (8-11) is National 811 Day, a time to remember safety in all projects—especially those that require digging near underground utility lines. You may never think…
Stay Fresh: Five Tips for Better Indoor Air Quality
We spend a lot of time indoors. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates the average American spends 90% of their life indoors. Does anyone suddenly have the urge to go for a longwalk? Additionally, our homes are becoming better insulated and sealed with less air infiltration—which is great for our energy bills but not…
Know the Signs of a Scam
Consumers have long been targets for utility scams. Fraudsters have changed their tactics since the COVID-19 pandemic began. As consumers became more reliant on technology for work, school and commerce, scammers adapted their tactics. Imposter Scams Imposter scams are the No. 1 type of fraud reported to the Federal Trade Commission. While scam artists may…
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…