Recent Co-op News
The Future Is Electric
In the early 20th century, electric vehicles made up close to 40% of the U.S. vehicle market share. Despite their early popularity, they began to disappear from the streets after just a few years. As roadways improved beyond city limits, people wanted to explore. With their slower speeds and shorter...
United to Save Salmon and Hydropower – January 2022 Manager’s Message
Dear Members, Last month we asked you for your feedback on Benton REA’s Clean Energy Implementation Plan and reviewed the survey results. Many of you expressed your concern for the environment and the need for clean, carbon-free resources. Many of you also questioned why the survey did not specifically ask...
Are Portable Space Heaters Efficient?
Small space heaters are meant to do exactly as their name says: heat a small space. Unfortunately, many people use portable space heaters to heat their entire home, which takes a toll on their energy bills. Whether you should use space heaters depends on your home’s efficiency and energy needs....
Understanding Power Surges and Blinks
Have you noticed your lights blink during a storm? Perhaps you’ve noticed a blinking microwave clock when you arrive home. When this happens, you’ve likely experienced a brief disruption to your electric service, which could result from a power surge or blink. While the symptoms of surges and blinks can...
A Year of Progress – December 2021 Manager’s Message
Dear Members, As the year wraps up, I am amazed at what your co-op has accomplished in 2021. I’ve said it before, but I think it is worth repeating. Benton REA is experiencing rapid growth in our service area. We don’t have the final 2021 data, but I’m proud to...
Ruppert Substation to be Energized in December
Benton REA’s newest electric distribution substation is scheduled to come online in December. This eight-bay power distribution hub will receive 115 kilovolt electricity from Bonneville Power Administration transmission lines near Ruppert Road in West Richland. It will transform the high-voltage electricity to 12.4 kV, making it ready to send through...
Help Your Neighbor this Giving Tuesday
November 30 is Giving Tuesday, the unofficial holiday when, after saving a lot of money while shopping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, people feel compelled to give back. If you are looking to help your low-income neighbors, without having to give a lot this Giving Tuesday, Benton REA’s Power...
Member’s Photo Featured on Cover of 2022 Ruralite Calendar
The cover photo on the 2022 Ruralite calendar was submitted by Benton REA member and amature photographer Harold Carlson of West Richland. “I drove down this gravel road and saw this structure,” Harold says. “The evening light was hitting it so well and luckily the farmer’s crops were starting to...
Support Local and Save
Use Your Benton REA Co-op Connections Card to save at local businesses this holiday shopping season. Gift wish lists are being made with haste and it’s getting a little colder outside. The holiday shopping season is right around the corner. Speaking of around the corner, there are plenty of locally...
We Need Your Feedback on Washington’s Clean Energy Transformation
The Clean Energy Transformation Act, passed in 2019 by the Washington Legislature, requires Benton REA to file a Clean Energy Implementation Plan. Benton REA is seeking member input on this plan. Clean energy is electricity that does not produce carbon or other greenhouse gases as it is generated. Examples include...
Ostrom Mushroom Farms Receives $102K Energy-Efficiency Rebate
Ostrom Mushroom Farms accepted a $102,585 energy-efficiency rebate from Benton REA, its electric cooperative utility, on November 18, for construction and installation of energy-saving equipment at their Sunnyside facility. In 2019, Ostrom’s installed several energy-efficient measures including LED lighting, water-cooled chiller equipment and variable frequency drives on air handlers, cooling...
2022 Scholarships and Youth Tour Applications Due January 7
Children of Benton REA members whose main residence is in Benton, Yakima or Lewis counties may apply for the co-op’s 2022 continuing education scholarships and the Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. Funds for Benton REA’s scholarships, youth tour and other education programs come from members’ unclaimed ownership credits. Applications are...
