Safety
A Lot of Security for Less Than a Latte
PowerNET’s managed router service helps families and businesses manage their internet network For the cost of one large latte, have peace of mind about your home internet network. PowerNET’s managed router service helps families and businesses maximize their internet use while helping protect everyone connected for just $5 a month, regardless of your internet provider.…
Tree Pruning Improves Services for All
We are fortunate to have so many trees offering beauty, shade, and a habitat for birds and other wildlife. Benton REA strives to balance maintaining beautiful surroundings with a reliable power supply by keeping power lines clear in rights-of-way. A right-of-way is the land Benton REA uses to construct, maintain, replace or repair underground and…
Practice Safety When DIY-ing
These days many of us are spending more time at home and finding new, creative ways to enhance our living space. Tackling do-it-yourself projects can be fun and cost-effective, so why not roll up those sleeves and get started! Whether painting the front door with a fresh hue or finally upgrading those patio lights, successfully…
Know What’s Below
Spring is here. There’s never been a better time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Perhaps you’re making plans for a new garden or a lawn makeover. However you’re planning to revamp your backyard oasis, remember to keep safety in mind for all projects—especially those that require digging near underground utility lines. Most…
Watch Out For Financial Scams
Unfortunately, in today’s world, financial scams are inevitable. Scammers can threaten you with everything from legal action involving the Internal Revenue Service to turning off power to your home. Utility scams often involve an individual or group posing as an employee of your electric cooperative. The scammer may use threatening language to frighten you into…
Check Your Circuit Breakers Before Reporting An Outage
Parts of your home—including outlets and entire walls—can lose power when circuits are overloaded. If your power goes out unexpectedly, check your home’s circuit breakers and main breaker before calling to report an outage. If a Benton REA crew is dispatched and the problem is on your side of the meter, you may be required…
Kids’ Electrical Safety Poster Contest
Posters are due June 19, 2020, for this year’s Electrical Safety Poster Contest. All elementary-age children whose parents or guardians are Benton REA members with active electrical accounts are eligible. Prizes will be distributed in July. For more information, call 509-781-6752 or email rmitchell@bentonrea.org. Age Categories: Kindergartners and 1st graders 2nd and 3rd graders 4th…
Benton REA Maintains Electric, Internet Services During “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” Order
In response to Governor Inslee’s “stay home, stay healthy” order for Washington state, Benton REA is committed to the health and safety of its employees as well as maintaining electric and internet service for its members. As an electricity distribution cooperative and communications/IT provider, Benton REA and PowerNET will remain in operation during the COVID-19…
Benton REA and PowerNET Offices Will Close to the Public March 17, Take Precautions to Prevent Spread of COVID-19
In response to recent reports regarding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Benton REA and PowerNET will close its Prosser and West Richland offices and community rooms to the public effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020, until further notice. The safety of our employees, members and community remains our highest priority. Benton REA and PowerNET personnel will…
Four Tips for Winter Safety
It’s no surprise that winter months bring increased potential for fire risks and electrical safety hazards. During the coldest months, consumers use additional electrical devices and appliances, such as space heaters, electric blankets and portable generators. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that 47,700 home fires occur each year in the U.S. due to electrical…