Recent Co-op News
Know the Signs of a Scam
Consumers have long been targets for utility scams. Fraudsters have changed their tactics since the COVID-19 pandemic began. As consumers became more reliant on technology for work, school and commerce, scammers adapted their tactics. Imposter Scams Imposter scams are the No. 1 type of fraud reported to the Federal Trade...
Mail-in Ballots Due July 13 for Trustee Districts 2, 3 Election
Benton REA is governed by eight trustees who each represent a district of members. These trustees are elected by you—Benton REA members—to serve three-year terms. Members who live in districts 2 and 3 will receive a ballot in June for the 2022 trustee election. Each membership receives one vote. Members...
Rebates Increase for Low-Income Homeowners
Rebates for heat pumps and hybrid electric water heaters have significantly increased for homeowners who qualify as low-income. Benton REA is making $100,000 available to members through September 2023. For heat pump upgrades and conversions from another heating system, the rebate is now as much as $6,200. The installation of...
Buddy Treadway Resigns From Benton REA Board
Buddy Treadway attended his last Benton REA board meeting as a trustee on May 26. Buddy was elected in 2007 and has faithfully served the members of District 1 for 15 years. With more free time, Buddy and his wife, Virginia, plan to take one day at a time with...
Plant Money-Saving Landscaping
Solar heat absorbed through windows and roofs makes your air conditioner work harder and consume more electricity. But incorporating shading into your landscape design can help reduce both solar heat gain and your electricity bill. Shading from trees can reduce surrounding air temperatures as much as 9° F. Because cool...
BentonREA.org/EV Makes Finding an EV Charger Easy
Did you know there are more than 30 public electric vehicle charging stations between Pasco and Yakima? You can find any public charging station in the country at www.BentonREA.org/EV. Click the “Charger Finder” tab and search by zip code, type of charger and type of connector. If you’re planning a...
Prioritize Safety Year-Round
Benton REA recognizes Electrical Safety Month every May, but it is also important to practice safety year-round. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, thousands of people in the U.S. are critically injured or electrocuted as a result of electrical fires and accidents in their own homes. Many of these...
2022 Kids’ Electrical Safety Poster Contest
Posters are due Thursday, June 16, for this year’s Electrical Safety Poster Contest. All elementary-age children whose parents or guardians are Benton REA members with active electric accounts are eligible. Prizes will be distributed at the Benton REA Annual Meeting on Saturday, July 16, in West Richland. The following prizes...
You Need Hyrdopower and Hydropower Needs You – Write In Today
Hydropower and many other benefits of the lower Snake River Dams are under attack. This year the voices of proponents of dam breaching are being heard by state and federal politicians. Our representatives need to hear your voice, too. Deadline Approaching to Speak Up for Hydropower A public process to...
2022 Scholarship Recipients
Eight local seniors are the recipients of $52,000 in scholarships from Benton REA. All three recipients of the cooperative’s $4,000 Trade & Technical scholarship are from West Richland. They are Coral Bears, daughter of Jim and Jennifer Bears; Ethan Henning, son of Jake and Diana Henning; and Garrett Collins, son...
Benton REA Plants Trees at Wine Country RV Park
Visitors to Prosser’s Wine Country RV Park will enjoy two new trees donated by Benton REA on April 13, Washington State Arbor Day. Benton REA planted a Linden tree and a Hot Wings Maple tree because they will only grow 25 to 30 feet tall at maturity. They were planted...
Arbor Day Foundation Recognizes Benton REA as Tree Line USA Utility
Benton REA was named a 2022 Tree Line USA utility by the Arbor Day Foundation in recognition of its dedication to proper urban forest management. Tree Line USA—a partnership between the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters—recognizes utilities for pursuing best practices that protect and cultivate...
