Recent Co-op News
Idaho Congressman Seeks Support for Plan to Breach the Snake River Hydropower Dams
U.S. Representative Mike Simpson of Idaho wants to get the Columbia and Snake River dams out of seemingly endless court battles. Simpson has a plan to breach the lower Snake River dams while compensating electricity, river transportation and irrigation stakeholders through a infrastructure funding bill that could hit President Joe...
Idaho: Another Threat to the Lower Snake River Dams – March 2021
Dear Members, We’re about to enter another battle between hydropower and fish. Sadly, there doesn’t need to be a war. Fish and dams are coexisting. Yet, some disagree. In an attempt to avoid the continuation of court battles over the lower Snake River dams, U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson of Idaho...
On a Budget? So Is Your Utility Bill
If your electricity use is higher in the winter and summer months, but your budget doesn't ebb and flow with the temperature, Benton REA's budget billing might be right for you. Budget billing eliminates seasonally fluctuating payments and helps families stay within their monthly budgets. The amount you pay will...
10 Steps to Take Before Installing Solar
As prices decline and technology improves, installing a residential solar system—also called a photo-voltaic system—makes sense for some. However, it’s important to know the facts before committing to a purchase. Consider these points as you explore whether solar is right for you. 1. MAKE YOUR HOME MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT BEFORE...
Is Your Home Electric Vehicle Ready?
Drivers across the U.S. are starting to refuel at the outlet instead of the gas pump. As electric vehicle growth continues, studies are finding most drivers are plugging in at home to charge. “EV-ready homes” describes homes providing safe access to a dedicated power supply for charging at a Level...
Stay Informed, Go Paperless with SmartHub
With convenient access to your Benton REA bill anytime and anywhere through SmartHub, doing your part to care for the environment is easy through paperless billing. Yet as of December, only 2,836 Benton REA members and PowerNET customers had signed up for paperless billing. Signing up for paperless billing is...
Look Up and Live – February 2021
Dear Members, Electrical safety is immensely important to me and to Benton REA, especially as we look forward to the spring planting season. Whether you are working in your back yard or responsible for a large agriculture operation, it is important to be aware of power lines near you—both above...
Five Ways to Stay Cozy this Winter
Baby, it’s cold outside! When you’re feeling chilly at home, there are several budget-friendly ways to stay comfortable without turning up the thermostat. Here are five easy ways: Whether you’re experiencing extremely cold winter temperatures or you simply “run cold,” an electric blanket can deliver quick warmth in a way...
Co-op Connections App Offers Local Coupons Without Scissors
Co-op Connections is a free coupons program brought to you by Benton REA. Benton REA wants to help you stretch every dollar when running errands, planning a trip or taking care of you and your family. Your Co-op Connections Card will help you to save money at local restaurants, service...
Can We Live Without the Internet Post COVID-19?
If we learned anything in 2020, it’s that every home in America needs reliable access to the internet. In 2020, 4 million fewer shoppers made purchases during the Black Friday weekend than in 2019, yet Cyber Monday online shopping rose 15%, according to Adobe Analytics. With state and local orders...
Wanted: Donation Requests
Benton REA is seeking community donation requests. Those meeting the following guidelines will be granted on a first-come-first-served basis. Only one donation request greater than $200 per organization, activity or group will be considered per calendar year. A maximum of three total donations per organization each year will be awarded....
Three DIY Efficiency Projects to Tackle in 2021
A new year brings new opportunities to save energy and money. You may think energy-efficiency upgrades require a great deal of time and expense, but that’s not always the case. If you to make your home more efficient, but don’t want to break the bank, there are several do-it-yourself projects...
