Recent Co-op News
Manager’s Message – July 2019
Dear Members, Co-ops exist to serve their members and the community. That’s why I can speak for all Benton REA employees by saying, “We work for you.” Benton REA’s employees work week after week with you—the members—in mind. Every detail of providing electricity as well as internet and technology services...
Upcoming Community Blood Drives at Benton REA
Benton REA will host two community and employee blood drives with the American Red Cross in 2019. The first is August 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Benton REA West Richland office. The second will be at the Benton REA Prosser office October 24. “Hosting a blood...
Taylor Smith Represents Washington state in Youth Leadership Council
Some children born in rural communities choose to plant roots in their hometown. Others seek a “better life” in urban areas after high school. Benton REA believes a better life can be had in both scenarios by investing in the rural community leaders of tomorrow. Taylor Smith, daughter of Benton...
Manager’s Message – June 2019
Dear Members, If you’ve read through this issue of Ruralite, you may be wondering, “Why does Benton REA host an annual meeting?” The answer lies within our core foundation: the Seven Cooperative Principles. Because Benton REA is a member-owned cooperative, you have a say in how your co-op is run....
Your 2019 Trustee Candidates
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. In 2019, the three incumbent trustees up for election are Buddy Treadway, District 1; Mike Freepons, District 2; and Bob Evans, District 3. Trustee nominations for...
Smart Life. SmartHub.
Smart Life. SmartHub. Life can be fast and hectic, but it doesn’t all have to be complicated. Paying your Benton REA and/or PowerNET bill shouldn’t be a complex task, and with our SmartHub web and mobile app, it won’t be. You may have heard about SmartHub, our innovative tool for...
Free Family Fun at the Benton REA Annual Meeting
Free Family Fun at the Benton REA Annual Meeting Mark your calendars for July 13. You won’t want to miss Benton REA's 82nd Annual Meeting and Member Appreciation Lunch. Before the business meeting begins at 12:30 p.m., the morning will be full of family activities. Arrive at 8 a.m. to...
Talking Co-ops in Washington, D.C.
Talking Co-ops in Washington, D.C. Troy Berglund, community development and member relations manager, traveled to Washington, D.C., in April for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Legislative Conference. While there, he and other Washington electric cooperative employees met with legislators to discuss the needs of co-op members. During their meetings...
Tips for Maintaining an Efficient HVAC System
Tips for Maintaining an Efficient HVAC System Ah, summer. Cookouts, swimming pools, camping—it’s the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. When it’s time to come back indoors, there’s nothing better than that cool blast you feel from your home’s air conditioning unit. Your heating, ventilating and...
Fish Facts
If you stay current with regional news you have heard many opinions about the future of Northwest salmon and steelhead. Currently, twenty 28 West Coast salmon and steelhead populations are listed under the Endangered Species Act. Many claim the federal hydroelectric dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers are solely...
Kids! Enter the Safety Poster Contest
Benton REA is once again sponsoring its Safety Poster Contest for all elementary schoolchildren whose parents or guardians are Benton REA members with active electrical accounts. Prizes will be distributed at the annual meeting July 13 at Enterprise Middle School in West Richland. Age Categories: Kindergartners and 1st graders2nd and...
Manager’s Message – May 2019
42 Million Strong Dear Members, Benton REA is a member of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), a national trade organization representing more than 900 electric cooperatives. You’re not only a member of Benton REA, you’re part of a 42-million-strong network of co-op members. We may seem like a...
