Electric Co-ops Grow for the Communities They Serve

October 1, 2024

October is National Co-op Month, and Benton REA is joining cooperatives across the U.S. to celebrate. Co-ops come in all shapes and sizes, but they each have a common goal: to provide goods or services for the members of the co-op.

Electric co-ops, including Benton REA, exist to serve their members. Our priority is to provide affordable, reliable energy to our local communities. Because we are led by you, the members we serve, we can evolve to meet your needs. One example is our Power to Care program. Power to Care was started to help members pay their electric bill when they are having a hard time keeping up financially. It is driven by member donations and has helped over 300 members so far this year.

This October, as we celebrate Co-op Month, we’re focusing on the ways “Co-ops Grow” for their members.

Co-ops Grow Communities

Co-ops help communities grow by promoting economic empowerment, fostering community engagement and supporting the unique needs of co-op members. “Concern for Community” is one of our core principles—and being community-focused is essential to everything we do.

Co-ops Grow Together

Co-ops are all about cooperation, not competition. That’s why electric co-ops work together to share lessons learned, successful strategies and better ways to serve our members. We’re better when we grow together!

Co-ops Grow Tomorrow’s Leaders

Electric co-ops serve as fertile ground for growing tomorrow’s leaders through a variety of youth engagement programs. Whether through school demonstrations, community events, academic and trade scholarships or the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour program, we’re committed to providing opportunities for local youth to learn and thrive in our community and beyond.

Co-ops Grow for You

At Benton REA, your satisfaction is our number one goal. It’s why we were formed many years ago to fulfill a uniquely local purpose. We’ve come a long way since then, and your needs continue to evolve. That’s why we’ll never stop growing for you and our community!