Recent Co-op News
Integrating Other Renewables: The Perfect Partner
When the sun sets and the wind fades, the river rolls on The perpetual nature of hydropower makes it the perfect companion for the Northwest’s newest renewable energy sources, primarily wind and solar, which now total more than 8,000 megawatts. Just like hydropower, new renewables benefit the region in many...
Manager’s Message – August 2020, Worth the Cost
Dear Members, This year has been mentally, emotionally and, for some, financially draining. In these uncertain times, Benton REA is still here for you, providing necessary electricity and internet service. In a cooperative, your financial investment in Benton REA not only pays for the electricity you use, but helps keep...
$80K Window Rebate Makes Energy-Efficient Upgrade Possible
If you live in or drive by Westview Garden Apartments on West Richland’s 38th Avenue, you will notice new paint and new roofs. What you cannot see is residents enjoying lower electricity bills from their new, energy-efficient windows. “The windows are awesome,” says one apartment resident. “Our electric bill is...
Donate Blood August 18 in Prosser
Benton REA and the Prosser Holiday Inn Express & Suites will cosponsor a blood drive at the hotel August 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The American Red Cross continues to monitor the situation and is committed to operating blood drives in the safest way possible. At each blood...
Benton REA Pays $1.8 Million Back To Members During COVID-19 Pandemic
Ownership credits have traditionally been paid in December, but Benton REA is paying them early this year to help members power on through the pandemic If you are a Benton REA member and your 2020 capital (ownership) credit payment is $10 or greater, you will receive a check in the...
Reservoirs: The Region’s Storage Battery
Just like animals in times of abundance gather and store food for the leaner months, hydropower operators store water during wet months in preparation for drier conditions. Though squirrels may opt for underground storage, hydropower operators store water behind hydroelectric dams in large pools called reservoirs. Not all dams have...
Smart Thermostat Options and Rebates
A comparison of the market's smartest and most popular Heating and cooling costs account for about half of a user’s energy bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. When it comes to reducing energy use and cutting home energy costs, programming the thermostat can make a big impact. The...
Manager’s Message – July 2020, Summer Electrical Safety
Dear Members, Electrical safety is immensely important to me and to Benton REA. As you enjoy the beautiful summer weather, please remember and follow these simple, life-saving tips: Look up and live! Be aware of overhead power lines—especially when carrying long items like ladders or irrigation pipes. Stay away from...
Prosser Public Charging Station Operational
On May 11, Prosser gained an electric vehicle (EV) fast charger at 20 Merlot Drive, near the Verizon store and Chevron. The EV fast-charging station is the last to be energized as part of a nine-station network along Washington state highway corridors designed to enhance interstate and intrastate EV travel....
Water Cycle: The Power Behind Hydropower
Hydropower is the most abundant energy source in the Northwest. It’s also reliable and renewable, thanks to the benefits and predictability of our planet’s water cycle. The water cycle, also called the hydrological cycle, is the path water takes as it changes from solid to liquid to gas and back...
Meet Your 2020 Trustee Election Candidates
Mail-in ballots due July 10 for districts 4, 5 and 6 Members who live in districts 4, 5 and 6 will receive a ballot in June for the trustee election. Each membership receives one vote. Members may submit their vote by returning a completed ballot in the postage-paid envelope provided...
Manager’s Message – June 2020, Annual Meeting Update
Dear Members, 2020 has brought both challenges and opportunities for Benton REA. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to be more flexible in our operating procedures and in future Benton REA events. But we look forward with hope as we power on. Annual Meeting Update Our 2020 Annual Meeting is...
