Recent Co-op News
Nominate Your Neighbor for the Benton REA Board of Trustees
In 2020, the incumbent Benton REA Trustees whose terms expire are Ron Johnson, District 4; Tim Grow, District 5; and Scott Fisher, District 6. 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. Qualified members...
Local Students Selected for Electric Cooperative Youth Tour
This summer, Megan Aichele and Canon Briggs will represent Benton REA as a part of the 2020 Electric Cooperatives Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. These young women will travel to the nation’s capital June 17-24 with about 30 students from Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska. During their trip, they will...
Lower Snake River Dams in Jeopardy; Make Your Voice Heard!
The region’s clean and equitable energy future hangs in the balance of a federal process that will conclude this year, and you can influence the outcome. A court-ordered analysis will help determine the future of the four lower Snake River dams. It is the first time in nearly 20 years...
Reliable Energy: Balancing supply and demand
Just as a tightrope walker must maintain balance to guarantee a successful highwire crossing, power grid operators must maintain a delicate balance, accurately matching supply with demand and carefully preparing for their next move. Hydropower’s many positive attributes, coupled with careful planning and precise management, make this power source one...
Manager’s Message – February 2020
Dear Members, In the next few months the US. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the Bonneville Power Administration is expected to release the draft Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) under the National Environmental Policy Act on the coordinated water management function for operation, maintenance and configuration...
One Year of Community Solar
Benton REA’s community solar project went live January 2, 2019. In one year, Co-op Solar produced 41,000 kilowatt hours of electricity—enough to power two efficient, modern, all-electric, 2,000-square-foot homes for one year. Thirty-one Benton REA members invested in the project and are reaping the benefits of renewable, carbon-free energy produced...
Energy Help is Available
To ease the financial burden caused by energy costs on Benton REA’s low-income, senior or disabled residential members, Benton REA offers a discount of $24 each month to qualifying members. Qualifications: Combined annual household income that is equal to or less than 150% of the Washington state poverty guideline for...
Four Tips for Winter Safety
It’s no surprise that winter months bring increased potential for fire risks and electrical safety hazards. During the coldest months, consumers use additional electrical devices and appliances, such as space heaters, electric blankets and portable generators. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that 47,700 home fires occur each year in...
Snowpack: From Powder to Power
When you think of electricity generated from hydroelectric dams, you might first picture rushing rivers that spin giant turbines. But the story actually begins on snowcapped mountains. Hydropower is the conversion of flowing water into electricity. Hydropoweris a renewable energy source, meaning its fuel is replenished by nature—in this case,...
Manager’s Message – January 2020
Dear Members, We are all aware of the extreme inconvenience that surfaces when our power goes out. That is why electric system reliability is one of the essential priorities for any electric utility to be successful in its mission to provide the best possible service to its consumers. I am...
DIY: Energy-Efficiency Class
Learn easy ways to save energy and money on January 16 If you want to lower your monthly energy use and don’t know where to start, Benton REA’s energy-efficiency class is for you. Sign up for our next class on Thursday, January 16, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the...
Blood Donors Needed
Benton REA is partnering with the American Red Cross to collect blood donations Thursday, January 23, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Benton REA Prosser office. Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, B negative and A negative. According to the Red...
