Energy Assistance
Low-Income, Senior or Disabled Discount
To ease the financial burden caused by energy costs on Benton REA’s low-income senior or disabled residential members, Benton REA offers a discount of $24 each month to qualifying members.
Qualifications:
- Combined annual household income that is equal to or less than 200% of the Washington State poverty guideline for two-member households.
- Applicants must be 62 years of age or older. The age criteria for qualification under the program can be waived if the applicant provides proof of disability through a current “Social Security Administration Retirement, Survivors and Disability Insurance Statement” for the applicable period.
To apply for this discount, download the discount application or contact Benton REA at 509-786-2913 or 800-221-6987.
Power To Care Program
Benton REA’s new bill assistance program, called Power To Care, allows members to round up their monthly electric bill to the nearest dollar, donating the spare change to a fund that helps fellow members pay their past-due electric bills, enabling them to keep the lights on.
Members who have a residential account with a past-due balance and have a combined gross household income equal to or less than 200% of the federal poverty guideline are eligible to apply.
Bill assistance will be granted as a credit on the electric account of the qualifying member once per calendar year. The amount of assistance depends on the family size, household income and amount due on the electric account.
For more information visit our Power To Care webpage.
Community Energy Assistance Programs
For other financial assistance, members can contact their local Community Action Committee. Other help may be available from community organizations. Contact Benton REA at 800-221-6987 for more information.
- Toppenish: 509-865-7630
- eap@ncactopp.org
- Pasco: 509-545-4042
- Prosser: 509-786-3379
LIHEAP - Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
- Benton County: 509-545-4042
- Yakima County: 509-452-7145
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
- Housing and Essential Needs
- 877-501-2233
- 800-209-5446
Veterans' Associations
- WA Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs -Veteran’s Assistance/Relief Fund: 800-562-2308
- Benton County: 509-737-3919
- Yakima County: 509-574-1537
Low-Income Energy Efficiency Rebates
Benton REA members whose household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines may be eligible for assistance with paying for energy efficient home upgrades such as new:
- Single Head Ductless Heat Pump
- Heat Pump Water Heater
- Duct Sealing
- Insulation (including walls, floors and ceilings)
- Whole House Air Sealing
- High Performance Storm Windows
To verify eligibility in the program, members must apply online. Income requirements are listed on the online application. Documentation of your current income is required to apply.
Preferred documents to disclose your Adjusted Gross Income are:
- 2017 IRS Forms 1040, 1040 A or, 1040 EZ -- Include only the page which states the AGI, usually page one. To protect your identity, cover or cross out Social Security Numbers on the document before submitting.
- 2017 Social Security Statement
- 2017 L & I Disability or Pension Statement
If you know that you do not qualify based on your annual income as listed on the form, please do not submit an application. Contact Benton REA's member services department at 509-786-8265 for more information.
