Recent Co-op News
New Managed Router Service
Be in control of your home network internet use with PowerNET’s newest product. For just $5 per month, PowerNET offers a managed router service. Using a PowerNET approved router, PowerNET will provide a managed service that can help troubleshoot your internal network. You’ll be able to see who’s using the...
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...
Darigold Achieves Energy Savings and $45,000 Rebate
Since 2011, Darigold Sunnyside has improved efficiencies so much they’re saving more than 12 million kilowatt hours of energy each year. That’s enough to power 665 average residential homes. Darigold’s most recent energy-efficiency project earned the farmer-owned dairy co-op a $45,000 rebate from Benton REA. The project included installation of...
Benton REA Named 2020 Tree Line USA by Arbor Day Foundation
The Arbor Day Foundation has designated Benton Rural Electric Association 2020 Tree Line USA in honor of its commitment to proper tree pruning, planting and care in its service area. Tree Line USA, a partnership between the foundation and the National Association of State Foresters, recognizes public and private utilities...
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...
Give Blood June 17
Benton REA will host a blood drive at the West Richland office June 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to whole blood donations, the American Red Cross will accept Power Red donations. This type of donation uses an automated process that separates red blood cells from other...
Power Generation: From Water to Watt
People have been harnessing the power of water for centuries. The Greeks used water wheels to grind wheat more than 2,000 years ago. In the 1700s, water helped power the Industrial Revolution. In 1882, the world’s first commercial hydroelectric power plant began serving customers in Appleton, Wisconsin. Today, hydroelectric projects...
Manager’s Message – March 2020, Concern for Community
Dear Members, When our community needed electricity, citizens came together to form a cooperative and make a the community better. Since 1937, Benton REA has helped improve the quality of life for our members through reliable electricity and concern for the community. Benton REA recently hosted blood drives at our...
Nominate Your Neighbor for the Benton REA Board of Trustees
In 2020, the incumbent Benton REA Trustees whose terms expire are Ron Johnson, District 4; Tim Grow, District 5; and Scott Fisher, District 6. Benton REA is governed by eight trustees who each represent a district of members. These trustees are elected by you—our members—to serve three-year terms. Qualified members...
Local Students Selected for Electric Cooperative Youth Tour
This summer, Megan Aichele and Canon Briggs will represent Benton REA as a part of the 2020 Electric Cooperatives Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. These young women will travel to the nation’s capital June 17-24 with about 30 students from Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska. During their trip, they will...
Lower Snake River Dams in Jeopardy; Make Your Voice Heard!
The region’s clean and equitable energy future hangs in the balance of a federal process that will conclude this year, and you can influence the outcome. A court-ordered analysis will help determine the future of the four lower Snake River dams. It is the first time in nearly 20 years...
Reliable Energy: Balancing supply and demand
Just as a tightrope walker must maintain balance to guarantee a successful highwire crossing, power grid operators must maintain a delicate balance, accurately matching supply with demand and carefully preparing for their next move. Hydropower’s many positive attributes, coupled with careful planning and precise management, make this power source one...
