Recent Co-op News
Benton REA Donates $15K to Local Food Banks
Fifteen thousand dollars is helping feed local families thanks to Benton REA and matching funds from CoBank, one of the utility’s lenders. Benton REA received a $7,500 matching grant from the CoBank Sharing Success program. Together, the $15,000 donation will help families through three organizations within the Benton REA member...
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,...
Choose How Benton REA Pays You – July 2021
Dear Members, Did you know that Benton REA pays its members? It’s the cooperative difference and something we’re incredibly proud of. By purchasing electricity from Benton REA, you are also a member-owner. Your ownership is reflected in what we call ownership credits. These ownership credits are allocated to you based...
Potential Capacity Shortage: Members are asked to conserve energy during heat wave
Benton REA is asking members to conserve their use of electricity during these extreme high temperatures. The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), which supplies power for Benton REA and other local utilities, has informed Benton REA that the extreme heat is putting record demand on its system. BPA says if demand...
Anti-Hydro Narrative Misses the Big Picture of Climate Change, Equity and Salmon
I recently participated in a panel for the CleanTech Alliance on the future of the lower Snake River dams. Kurt Miller, executive director of Northwest RiverPartners The panelists had diverse viewpoints, which is a good thing. However, one statement by a co-panelist who advocates for breaching...
Get Paid Your Way: New Options for Ownership Credits
Benton REA has made it easier and more convenient than ever to get paid your ownership credits. Members can now receive their Benton REA capital (ownership) credit payments as an electric bill credit. By purchasing electricity from Benton REA, you are a member-owner. Your ownership is reflected in credits allocated...
4 Ways to Stay Cyber-Secure
The internet can be dangerous and scary. We’ve seen the lists of ideas for better cybersecurity. The problem is, the tips aren’t helpful unless we act on them. We know we should use long passwords and change them regularly. But do we? Here are three reasons to encourage you to...
Solar Equipment 101
If a person had a Rip Van Winkle moment and fell asleep under a tree a decade ago, they would be amazed at how far solar photovoltaic systems have come. Technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Once the most expensive form of electricity generation, economies of scale in...
Are You Satisfied?
For some members, the chance to let us know is coming soon. If you are one of the randomly selected Benton REA members to receive our 2021 survey postcard this month, please take 10 minutes to answer our questions. Each year, Benton REA seeks to understand our members' satisfaction with...
Benton REA Members Pay Neighbors’ Electricity Bills
Benton REA members who need assistance paying past-due electric bills may qualify for help from fellow co-op members through the Power to Care program. To receive Power to Care funds, you must: Be a residential member of Benton REA, Have a past due balance on your electric account, or have...
Stocking the Energy Pantry – June 2021
Dear Members, After spring planting, we make sure our vegetables, grain and fruit have enough water and sunshine throughout the heat of summer so we can harvest and store our bounty to use throughout the year. Similarly with electricity, hydropower gives us the ability to store and meet energy demand...
Register Your EV, Get $100
Benton REA members can receive up to $100 from Benton REA toward the purchase of an electric vehicle when they register them with the co-op. Members will receive $100 for electric vehicles purchased before a Level 2 charger has been installed in their homes or businesses where the vehicles will...
