Recent Co-op News
Level Out Your Monthly Payments
Levelized billing helps families stay on budget Fall is a great time to sign up for levelized billing on your Benton REA electric account. Levelized billing is sometimes called budget billing because it eliminates seasonally fluctuating payments and helps families stay within their monthly budget. Your levelized billing amount is...
Students: Apply Now for 2020 Scholarships and Youth Tour
Benton REA scholarship and Youth Tour applications are available online. Youth Tour applications are due December 3. Scholarship applications are due January 3, 2020. Seniors Graduating seniors whose parents are members of Benton REA and whose main residence is within Benton, Yakima or Lewis counties are eligible to apply forBenton...
Manager’s Message – November 2019
Dear Members, You pay your electricity bill every month, and more than likely, you think, “That’s done.” But the truth is, we’re more than just a utility provider. Everyone at Benton REA is committed to building even stronger connections with you and the local communities we serve. But we can’t...
Sign up for Youth Program and Energy-Efficiency Webinars
Benton REA will host three free webinars in November about its youth programs and residential energy-efficiency programs. “We want to let our members know about these great member benefits, but we know not everyone has time to attend a class”, says Troy Berglund, manager of community development and member relations....
Return of the ‘Blob’
Deadly marine heat wave underscores critical role of carbon-free hydropower energy Scientists have identified a new marine heat wave in the Pacific Ocean that could indicate the return of the Blob that wreaked havoc on marine life and weather systems from 2014 to 2017. The phenomenon has refocused the lens...
An Electric Vehicle Ride-Along
Benton REA used social media to let me members follow its electric vehicle on a long trip. By Troy Berglund, community development and member relations manager at Benton REA. I love talking to our members about what they are interested in, particularly when it comes to energy. In recent years,...
Seeking Feature Story Nominations
Benton REA is seeking local story ideas for 2020. Have you ever recognized your neighbor, family member or friend on the cover of Ruralite magazine? Chances are if you’ve been a member for a few years, you have. Maybe you know someone who could be featured. Each month, Benton REA...
Cybersecurity Starts With All of Us
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Did you know that you are your own first line of defense against cybersecurity threats? The energy sector continues to be a target for cyberattacks, and will continue to face threats that target utility employees, supply chains and partners. It is critical that Benton...
Manager’s Message – October 2019
Dear Members, While the next presidential election isn’t until 2020, there are many state and local elections between now and then that have a major impact on life in our local communities. That’s why I encourage you to vote on or before November 3 in the general elections for your...
New and Improved Rebates Starting October 1
New and Improved Rebates Starting October 1 Money Available for residential, commercial and agricultural improvements. Starting October 1, new rebates are available for Benton REA members who buy and install new, energy-efficiency home upgrades. Incentives have increased for the purchase of Energy Star clothes washers and dryers, heat pump water...
A Moment of Truth for the Northwest
Northwest RiverPartners works to strike a balance between low-cost, efficient, reliable power production and protecting the essence of the Pacific NorthwestBy Kurt Miller I officially started at Northwest RiverPartners on March 11, 2019. Since then, I have been inspired every day by the opportunity to make a difference for people...
Youth Tour Applications Available Online
Applications for Benton REA's Youth Tour are available online at BentonREA.org/youth. Benton REA will select two area students to represent the cooperative on an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., June 18-25, 2020. Children of Benton REA members who are in their sophomore or junior year of high school and whose...
