Safety
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…
Be Prepared for Winter Storms
When winter temperatures drop and storms hit, it can be challenging to stay safe and warm. Benton REA cares about your safety. Heavy snow and ice can lead to downed power lines and power outages. During extremely low temperatures, this can be dangerous. During a power outage, our crews work as quickly and safely as…
Cybersecurity Starts With All of Us
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Did you know that you are your own first line of defense against cybersecurity threats? The energy sector continues to be a target for cyberattacks, and will continue to face threats that target utility employees, supply chains and partners. It is critical that Benton REA and its members stay…
Be Aware of Electric Shock Drowning
Be Aware of Electric Shock Drowning Despite being categorized as leisure activities, swimming and boating can quickly become dangerous. While water-safety behaviors such as wearing life jackets and maintaining safe boating speeds have become commonplace, a serious hazard remains that is often overlooked. This silent killer, classified as electric shock drowning, occurs in fresh water…
August 11 Reminds Us to Call 811 Before Digging
With August 11 almost here, Benton REA hopes this date on the calendar, 8/11, will serve as a reminder for residents to call 811 prior to any digging project to have underground utility lines marked. Every 6 minutes, an underground utility line is damaged because someone decided to dig without first calling 811. When calling…
Kids! Enter the Safety Poster Contest
Benton REA is once again sponsoring its Safety Poster Contest for all elementary schoolchildren whose parents or guardians are Benton REA members with active electrical accounts. Prizes will be distributed at the annual meeting July 13 at Enterprise Middle School in West Richland. Age Categories: Kindergartners and 1st graders 2nd and 3rd graders 4th and…
Avoid the Big Green Box
While overhead power lines and transformers are mounted on utility poles and substations are protected by security fences, pad-mounted transformers, switch boxes and pedestals are at ground level. These “big green boxes” are utility property and may need to be accessed at any time without notice. “We have about 3,260 pad-mounted transformers on our system,”…